VULNERABILITY TO HYPERTENSION: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF LIFESTYLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN GREATER ACCRA METROPOLITAN AREA (GAMA)

Abstract

Hypertension has become an issue of public health concern in Ghana like most parts of the world presently. The condition has taken a new trend in prevalence other than what it used to be. In recent time, the available data suggest the disease has been affecting people mostly of low-income communities. Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) is a cosmopolitan area,, which encompasses people from diverse backgrounds that makes it ideal for a study of this nature which sought to establish the geographical prevalence of the disease quite relevant.

The research employed the triangulating method making use of sequential exploratory strategy. Person-Chi square, binary logit regression model and excel were used to analyse the data. The findings from the study reveal that gender (being a woman) and old age are the most important predisposing factors to hypertension. Incidence of hypertension points in the direction of recent literature which finds higher prevalence in low-income communities. There is generally low level of detection and self-report owing largely to low knowledge of the condition and its risk factors. The results from stakeholder engagements reveal that the health sector is currently making efforts with respect to education on the condition and other chronic diseases to patients who patronize various health facilities.

The study reveals that most predisposing factors to hypertension do not exist in isolation but rather combine with one or more predisposing factors to bring about hypertension. The study concurs that lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce its vulnerabilities since it is generally a lifestyle disease. More rigorous campaigns are needed to increase awareness on best management practices and prevention even among the control/non hypertensive population.