Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hypertension among Senior High School Students in Ga East District in Greater Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Globally, Hypertension is fast becoming the commonest cardiovascular disorder contributing a lot to the morbidity and mortality (WHO, 1996). Although hypertension is a risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases, it has its own risk factors which range from genetic/familial, sex, age, race/ethnicity, level of physical activity, dietary as well as smoking, alcohol intake and obesity/overweight (WHO, 2002). The general objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of risk factors for hypertension among Senior High School (SHS) students in the Ga East District of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 500 SHS students in the Ga East District of Ghana was conducted in June 2010 using a simple random sampling method. Data on demographic characteristics and lifestyles were collected by structured interview through questionnaire. Physical measurements including weight and height (to derive body mass index [BMI]) and blood pressure were taken. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: In all, 500 students, with mean age of 17.77 SD 1.54 years, participated in the study. There were prevalences of 6.40% (95% C.I. = 4.25%, 8.55%) and 9.40% (95% C.I. =6.83%, 11.97%) for hypertension and prehypertension respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 7.60% (95% C.I. = 5.26%, 9.93%) and 2.00% (95% C.I. = 0.77%, 3.23%) respectively. Of them, 56.80% had adequate sports/recreational activities and 63.80% had adequate physical activity for transport. Walking was the main form of physical activity. Of them, 37.60% had ever consumed an alcoholic drink. Of them, 13.00% and 19.40% consumed alcohol within the past 30 days and 12 months respectively. Even though 86.90% of study participants had ever heard of hypertension, 46.80% had no idea what hypertension was and knowledge of risk factors was poor. Conclusion: The prevalence of risk factors determined in the study for hypertension was cause for concern considering the age range and calls for efforts to reverse the trend. There is therefore the need to emphasize lifestyle education and to develop policies and initiatives for the prevention and control of hypertension, so as to ensure a healthy population for the country.