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Hypertension in Ghana: a cross-sectional community prevalence study in greater Accra
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, National Diabetes Management and Research Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. agbamoah@ghana.com
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of hypertension, and the extent to which it is treated and controlled, among adult Ghanaians.
Design:
6300 adults, aged 25 years and older, were selected by random cluster sampling, using electoral enumeration areas and listings of adults.
Setting:
Three communities in the greater Accra region of Ghana.
Subjects And Methods:
A total of 4733 subjects (male to female ratio = 1:1.5) participated, representing a response rate of 75%. The analysis used the mean of 2 blood pressure readings, taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer after a 10-minute rest. Hypertension was defined as having blood pressure > or = 140/90 mm Hg, or currently undergoing anti-hypertensive treatment.
Results:
The mean ages for males and females were 44.9 +/- 14.7 years, and 44.0 +/- 14.6 years, respectively. The crude prevalence of hypertension was 28.3%. The age-standardized prevalence, to the new standard world population, was 28.4%. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased with age. Of 1337 subjects with hypertension, 34% were aware of their condition, 18% were treated, and 4% were controlled (blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg).
Conclusion:
Hypertension is a major public health problem, and is associated with relatively low levels of awareness, drug treatment, and blood pressure control. Population-based prevention strategies, such as reduction in salt intake and integration of hypertension care into primary care, may prove beneficial; however, the determinants of hypertension remain to be ascertained.