Prevalence and awareness of Hypertension among urban and rural Adults in the Keta Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Background: With the changing trends in the epidemiology of hypertension (HPT), recent studies have shown an increasing prevalence of HPT in rural than urban communities. This study examined the prevalence of HPT and its awareness among urban and ruraladults in Keta Municipality. Method: A population-based cross-sectional study involving 264 adults (18-65 years). Face-to-face interview using semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken following standard procedures. Differences in means were determined using t-test. Associations between independent categorical variables and HPT were determined using Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression model. The correlation coefficient was computed to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between anthropometric indices and hypertension. Results: At the time of the survey, HPT prevalence was 146 (55.3%). Out of this, 49 (43%) were from urban and 65 (57.0%) from rural areas. Diagnosed HPT was 49 (30.1%), of which the majority, 32 (65.3%) were from urban and 17 (34.7%) from rural areas. Of the 32 Hypertensives from the urban areas, 20 (62.5%) were uncontrolled. Of the 17 Hypertensives among the rural adults, 12 (70.6%) were uncontrolled. Undiagnosed HPT was 114 (53.0%), with 19 (49.0%) among urban and 65 (56.5%) among rural adult population. Females were 0.29 times less likely to have HPT as compared to males (AOR=0.29, p=0.007]. Thosewith JHS, SHS and tertiary education were 0.48, 0.25 and 0.29 times less likely to have HPT (AOR=0.48, p=0.043), (AOR=0.25, p=0.004) and (AOR=0.29, p=0.031) respectively. Those with a family history of HPT were 2.46 times more likely to have HPT (AOR=2.46, p=0.003). Adults with moderate and high-risk WHR were 2.58 and 2.61 times more likely to have HPT [AOR=2.58, p=0.039] and [AOR=2.61, p=0.032] respectively. There was a positive linear relationship between age and BMI in both urban and rural settings and HPT. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPT is very high among adults in the Keta Municipality.Rural adults are more affected than urban, probably due to higher awareness and control of HPT among the urban population.Creation of awareness on HPT and its management are needed to enhance the prevention and control among rural adults