The burden and correlates of hypertension in rural Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), of which hypertension is a major risk factor, are predicted to account for four times as many deaths as from communicable diseases by the year 2020. Hypertension, once rare, is rapidly becoming a major public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, data on its prevalence, awareness, treatment and control are paltry, especially for rural communities. This study was done to determine the burden and correlates of adult hypertension in the rural Barekese subdistrict of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 425 adults aged >= 35 in the Barekese sub district (estimated population 18,510). Socio-demographic characteristics, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements were collected using standardized protocols. Results: Overall, the proportion of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension is 44.7% and 32.7% respectively in the study population. However, 64.9% of these were on treatment, with only 8.9% having controlled blood pressure (< 140/90 mmHg). The mean systolic and diastolic BP were 134.38 mmHg (standard deviation, SD: 21.46) and 84.32 mmHg (SD: 12.44). Obesity (Body Mass Index, BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) was found in 37 (10.4% of the population), out of whom 7 (15.9%) were extremely obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2). Increasing age and level of education were positively correlated with increasing blood pressure. Conclusion: The high burden of hypertension in this population along with the considerable less detection, treatment and control is of great concern. There is the need to promote health education measures that will foster prevention and early detection of hypertension. (C) 2013 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.