Prevalence And Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Rural Dwellers in Selected Districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract

Hypertension is the leading cause of death among adults globally. This study assessed the burden of hypertension and its prevailing risk factors among rural dwellers in selected districts of the Eastern Region. This study adapted a quantitative cross-sectional survey while using a multistage cluster sampling technique. It also employed a closed-ended questionnaire to solicit information from 1,652 adults aged 25 years or above. Frequencies and percentages were used to assess participants' anthropometric characteristics and illness perceptions. Chisquare tests and Pearson correlation analysed associations between variables, while hierarchical logistic regression identified hypertension predictors at a 0.05 significance level and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of hypertension among participants was 24.1%. Also, 19% of participants had high-risk waist-tohip ratio (WHR), 72.2% and 5.4% of females and males had high risk of waist-toheight ratio (WHtR) respectively. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight were 27%, 14% and 10% respectively. Also, 34% of people living with hypertension had high threat perception. High body mass index (BMI) and increased WHR were significant predictors of hypertension among participants. The risk factors for hypertension were being a female, being aged 50 years or older, having no formal education, and regular consumption of salty meals. Having basic education, never smoking, not currently smoking, and avoiding alcohol consumption in the last 12 months reduce the risk of hypertension. Therefore, collaborative health education efforts aim to raise hypertension awareness and encourage regular check-ups should be implemented in the Eastern region of Ghana.