Prevalence and awareness of hypertension and prehypertension among traders in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Hypertension (HPT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and it is now emerging as a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This study reports on prevalence and its awareness of HPT among traders in Hohoe Municipality (HHM). This was a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 2015 involving 328 traders (18-65 years) using a random cluster sampling technique. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on background characteristics, awareness and predictors of HPT. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure and random blood sugar (RBS) were measured following standard procedures. Chi-square was used to determine associations between independent variables and HPT (dependent variable). Means in quantitative variables were determined using t-test. Overall prevalence of HPT including those on treatment was 43.3%. At the time of the survey, HPT prevalence was 28.4%, Pre-hypertension (Pre-HPT) was 33.8% and normal Blood pressure (BP) was 37.8%. Out of the 28.4% of the traders who were aware they have HPT, only 13.1% could control their BP. Also, of the 28.4% traders who had high BP during the survey, 15.3% were not aware that they have hypertension. Increasing age, obesity, overweight, high WHR and marital status of traders were independently associated with HPT. Prevalence of HPT and Pre-HPT was very high among the traders’ population. Uncontrolled and undiagnosed HPT was also very high. Targeted periodic screening and creation of awareness on HPT and Pre-HPT are needed to enhance the prevention and control of HPT