Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among adolescents living in Ghana

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for hypertension among adolescents in two selected districts in Ghana. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors of hypertension among adolescents. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) was 11.6%. The non-modifiable risk factors that predicted high BP were district of residence (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.328, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.328–0.203), age (AOR = 1.540, 95%CI = 1.240–1.913), relationship status (AOR = 1.960 95%CI = 1.059–3.628) and possessing a phone (AOR = 0.538, 95%CI = 0.325–0.890). The modifiable risk factors that predicted high BP were high BMI, not checking BP regularly, and not having an awareness of salt intake. In accordance with these results, prevention programs must focus on adolescent knowledge, lifestyle practices, and attitudes toward control measures. It is important to incorporate health education in school curricula to promote a healthy lifestyle and limit the risks associated with high BP.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• hypertension
• risk factors
• prevention
• teenagers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea through the Public Health Education Capacity Development of University of Health & Allied Sciences’ project. The funding body apart from the funding provided had no direct control in the design of the study or collection, analysis, and interpretation of data or in writing the manuscript.