Ofori-Koramoah

Abstract

Background: High blood pressure is a primary factor contributing to illness and death worldwide, and it is increasingly recognized as an important issue in medicine and public health. This notwithstanding, the burden of hypertension and associated risk factors among health workers in referral hospitals considering the high-stress environment of hospitals, combined with long working hours, irregular shifts, and the demanding nature of the job remains prevalent. Aim: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among health workers in two referral hospitals in the Eastern Region, Ghana Method: A cross-sectional design was be used to measure the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among health workers in two referral hospitals in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Semi-structured questionnaires was used to collect data on background characteristics, awareness and risk factors of hypertension. Blood pressure levels were measured using a digital blood pressure monitor. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages were used to summarize data on background characteristics and risk factors. The chi square test was used to determine the association between hypertension and independent variables. Multiple variable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with hypertension. Results: The majority of health workers 115 (70.1%) were from Eastern Regional Hospital, while 49 (29.9%) were from St. Dominic Hospital. Prevalence of hypertension was 13 (7.9%) while 46.3% of health workers were pre-hypertensive. Of the 13 participants with hypertension, 30.4% had stage 1 hypertension while 69.6% had stage 2 hypertension. The prevalence was higher among nurses compared to other cadre. Nurses were 1.78 times more likely to have hypertension compared to physicians [AOR=1.78 (95% CI: 1.05 – 12.10); p=0.006]. In addition, health workers who are obese were 2.04 times more likely to develop hypertension compared to those with normal BMI [AOR=2.04 (95% CI: 1.51 – 2.77); p=0.025]. However, health workers with moderate salt intake were 32% less likely to have hypertension compared to those with high salt intake [AOR=0.68 (95% CI: 0.19 – 0.99); p=0.011]. Conclusion: The study found low prevalence of hypertension among healthcare workers, with a significant proportion classified as pre-hypertensive. Nurses were 1.78 times more likely to have hypertension compared to physicians. Also, health workers who are obese were 2.04 times more likely to have hypertension compared to those with normal BMI. However, health workers with moderate salt intake were 32% less likely to have hypertension compared to those with high salt intake. among nurses compared to other cadre. Nurses were 1.78 times more likely to have hypertension compared to physicians [AOR=1.78 (95% CI: 1.05 – 12.10); p=0.006]. In addition, health workers who are obese were 2.04 times more likely to develop hypertension compared to those with normal BMI [AOR=2.04 (95% CI: 1.51 – 2.77); p=0.025]. However, health workers with moderate salt intake were 32% less likely to have hypertension compared to those with high salt intake [AOR=0.68 (95% CI: 0.19 – 0.99); p=0.011]. Conclusion: The study found low prevalence of hypertension among healthcare workers, with a significant proportion classified as pre-hypertensive. Nurses were 1.78 times more likely to have hypertension compared to physicians. Also, health workers who are obese were 2.04 times more likely to have hypertension compared to those with normal BMI. However, health workers with moderate salt intake were 32% less likely to have hypertension compared to those with high salt intake.