Hypertension prevalence and predictors among taxi drivers at Abura in Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major health problem in developing countries including Ghana. Lifestyle and occupational factors can be associated with hypertension development among individuals and groups of people. Objective: To assess the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among taxi drivers at Abura in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted and a total of 200 respondents were randomly sampled at the Abura taxi station. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data on the taxi drivers. Anthropometric measurements were converted into Body Mass Index while blood pressure measurements were categorized as normotension, pre-hypertension and hypertension using the World Health Organization cut offs. Proportions was presented for the prevalence and Odds Ratios presented for the predictors of hypertension categories. Results: The mean age was 36.65 ± 9.76 years. Majority (61.5%) had nine years of formal education. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was 23.0% and 52.5% respectively. About 11.5% had a family history of hypertension. Age (χ2=27.129;P<0.001) and years of driving a taxi (χ2=24.348;P<0.001), hours slept in a day (χ2=19.504; P=0.012) were associated with the development of hypertension. None of the characteristics studied predicted hypertension status. Conclusion: The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension was high among these drivers and personal and occupational factors were associated with hypertension development. Screening for early detection and advocacy will reduce the risk among the group.