Hypertension awareness, treatment and control in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Our study suggests high hypertension prevalence in Ghana, with low rates of awareness, treatment and control. Socio-economic and demographic factors are essential correlates of hypertension awareness and treatment in Ghana. The findings indicate the need to develop pragmatic intervention approaches such as rigorous education programs and use of the task-shifting system, in addressing hypertension and issues related to it.

Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in Ghanaian population: Evidence from the Ghana demographic and health survey

“…Poor hypertension control, despite a relatively high rate of awareness, has been observed by our study and several other studies as well [ 6 , 12 ]. Control of hypertension among the participants was 23.8% in this study.…”

“…In Ghana, population-based studies have shown increase in hypertension prevalence and its significant impact on stroke morbidity and mortality, over the last four decades [ 3 – 5 ]. Despite this, hypertension awareness, treatment and control are poor in the country [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Healer shopping affects continuity of care and results in the poor control of chronic diseases in many parts of Africa [ 20 , 21 ]. Given all these challenges, several studies have reported a poor control of hypertension leading to high morbidity and mortality from a potentially preventable condition [ 6 , 10 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Alcohol consumption, hypertension and obesity: Relationship patterns along different age groups in Uganda

“…For example, a study in the USA, found that in young population aged 18–26 blood pressure reduced among those who took 2–3 drinks a day but rose higher with more or less alcohol intake ( Gillman, 1995 ) while in a study in Germany it was found that there was a linear relationship between alcohol intake and blood pressure for only men aged 20–34 and 50–74 and women aged above 49 years ( Fortmann, 1983 ). Variations in alcohol intake-blood pressure-age relationships have also been established in France ( Milon, 1982 ), Japan ( Wakabayashi and Araki, 2010 ), South Africa ( Zatu, 2014 ), Ghana ( Sanuade et al, 2018 ) and Netherlands ( van Leer et al, 1994 ). Such varying evidence calls for more localized research that can inform local intervention.…”

Towards Population Salt Reduction to Control High Blood Pressure in Ghana: A Policy Direction

“…More recent estimates of hypertension prevalence in Ghanaian adults using cohort data of largely 50 y and older, reported a figure of 58.9%, of which 19% were aware of their hypertension status. Of those aware of their hypertension status, 67.6% were receiving treatment but only 11.6% of those being treated had controlled blood pressure (BP) ( 15 ). Whilst families, communities, and economies continue to be impacted by this burden, current health systems are unable to adequately manage the large numbers of people with hypertension ( 16 ).…”