Assessing knowledge and lifestyle behaviours for hypertension management among adults in urban Ghana: a cross-sectional study.
This study aimed to assess knowledge, lifestyle behaviours, and sociodemographic associations regarding hypertension control among adults in urban Ghana.
Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Ghana. However, data on population-level knowledge of its risk factors and related lifestyle behaviours in urban settings remain limited.
A cross-sectional analytical survey was conducted between August 2023 and September 2024 across four urban regions. Using stratified convenience sampling, 7096 adults aged 18-67+ years were recruited. Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle behaviours, and hypertension knowledge were collected via a structured questionnaire.
Participants had a mean age of 37.27 (±8.73) years, with a majority being female (63.85%) and married (97.66%). Educational attainment varied. Females constituted most hypertensive cases, particularly for stage 2 hypertension, while males had a notably higher prevalence of pre-hypertension among those aged 27-53 years. Age and body mass index showed significant positive correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). Men were significantly more likely to smoke and consume alcohol (p < 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that regular exercise reduced the odds of hypertension diagnosis (OR = 0.72, CI: 0.54-0.96), while older age increased the odds. The study underscores the need for targeted public health strategies. Priorities include promoting physical activity and weight management, alongside smoking/alcohol cessation programs tailored for high-risk men. Early intervention for younger adults with pre-hypertension and enhanced educational outreach for less-educated groups are crucial.
Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Ghana. However, data on population-level knowledge of its risk factors and related lifestyle behaviours in urban settings remain limited.
A cross-sectional analytical survey was conducted between August 2023 and September 2024 across four urban regions. Using stratified convenience sampling, 7096 adults aged 18-67+ years were recruited. Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle behaviours, and hypertension knowledge were collected via a structured questionnaire.
Participants had a mean age of 37.27 (±8.73) years, with a majority being female (63.85%) and married (97.66%). Educational attainment varied. Females constituted most hypertensive cases, particularly for stage 2 hypertension, while males had a notably higher prevalence of pre-hypertension among those aged 27-53 years. Age and body mass index showed significant positive correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). Men were significantly more likely to smoke and consume alcohol (p < 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that regular exercise reduced the odds of hypertension diagnosis (OR = 0.72, CI: 0.54-0.96), while older age increased the odds. The study underscores the need for targeted public health strategies. Priorities include promoting physical activity and weight management, alongside smoking/alcohol cessation programs tailored for high-risk men. Early intervention for younger adults with pre-hypertension and enhanced educational outreach for less-educated groups are crucial.
Authors
Ojangba Ojangba, Boamah Boamah, Miao Miao, Zhanlei Zhanlei, Dormatey Dormatey, Zhu Zhu, Dedi Dedi, Dong Dong, Zhao Zhao, Hua Hua
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