Biology, Behaviours, T2DM and Hypertension among Young Adults in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) are a principal cause of death and disability globally. Ghana is in the middle of lifestyle transition and has a high prevalence of risk factors that contribute to the onset of NCDs. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are among the most common NCDs. This research examines the links between lifestyle factors (nutrition, alcohol, smoking, sedentary behaviour and physical activity) with T2DM, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia status, among a group of young adults from the Greater Accra region of Ghana. A population-based sample of 117 participants aged 18 to 35 years were recruited. Data on anthropometric parameters (height, weight, skinfolds and several circumferences), blood pressure, and biomarkers (fasting plasma glucose/OGTT, and serum lipids- total cholesterol and triglycerides) were taken. Physical activity levels were subjectively and objectively measured with the IPAQ and actigraph respectively. Questionnaire data on demographic characteristics, dietary behavior, smoking, and alcohol consumption were also included in the analysis. There were no cases of T2DM and hyperglycaemia. Moreover, rates of systolic (3.3%) and diastolic (1.8%) hypertension were low. However; systolic pre-hypertension and diastolic pre-hypertension prevalence was 25.7% and 6.8% respectively. High cholesterol prevalence was 21.7 % and total elevated triglyceride prevalence 20.9%. Smoking prevalence was minimum (1.7%) compared to alcohol consumption (37.1%). Adiposity measures were high with 37.6% overweight/obesity and 21.4% central obesity prevalence. The actigraph results revealed that participants spent more than 73% of their time sedentary.