Perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity in Cape Coast, Ghana
Derek A Tuoyire1, Sarah McNair2, Samuel A Debrah3
1Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
Background:
This study examined the association between perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity.
Design:
Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.
Setting:
Out-patient department of the Central Regional Hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana.
Participants:
Adult men and women at least 18 years old.
Interventions:
None.
Main Outcome Measures:
Perception of risk for hypertension, overweight/obesity.
Results:
About 39% of the participants (N=400) were found to be overweight/obese, with disproportionally higher rates among women (50%) than men (28%). Results of the binary logistic regression models revealed a strong positive association (OR = 2.21, 95% CI =1.23, 3.96) between perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity. Increasing age, high television exposure, female gender and being in a relationship were also noted to be associated with overweight/obesity.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the need for the design of programmes to help individuals appreciate the reality of weight-related health risks, as well as the need to embrace lifestyles that promote healthy weight outcomes.
Funding:
Harvard Medical School Travelling Fellowship, Scholars in Medicine Office, Harvard Medical School.
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