Abstract:
Hypertension (HTN) control is crucial in preventing HTN-related complications such as stroke and coronary heart disease.
Yet, HTN control remains suboptimal particularly among sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations partly due to poor selfmanagement.
Self-management of HTN is influenced by social support, but the evidence on the role of social support on
HTN control particularly among SSA populations is limited. This study assessed the association between multiple proxies
for social support and HTN control among Ghanaians resident in Ghana and Europe. The Research on Obesity and Diabetes
among African Migrants (RODAM) study participants with HTN and who self-reported HTN (n = 1327) were included
in this analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between proxies of social support and HTN control
(SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg) with adjustments for age and socioeconomic status (SES). Among Ghanaian
males in both Europe and Ghana, cohabiting with more than two persons was associated with increased odds of having HTN
controlled. Male hypertensive patients cohabiting with ≥ 5 persons had the highest odds of having HTN controlled after
adjustment for age and SES (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.16–0.57; 0.60; 0.34–1.04, respectively). This association was not observed
among females. Relationship status, frequency of religious activity attendance and satisfaction with social support did not
show any significant association with HTN control. Our study shows that cohabitation is significantly associated with HTN
control but in males only. The other proxies for social support appeared not to be associated with HTN control. Involving
persons living with Ghanaian men with HTN in the treatment process may help to improve adherence to HTN treatment.
Further research is needed to explore in-depth, how these social support proxies could contribute to improved HTN control
among SSA populations.
