Examining Risk Factors for Hypertension in Ghana: Evidence from the Global Ageing and Adult Survey

Eric Tenkorang, Memorial University
Vincent Kuuire, University of Western Ontario
Isaac Luginaah, University of Western Ontario
Emmanuel Banchani, Memorial University

Hypertension contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality in Ghana, yet nationally representative studies that examine the risks of becoming hypertensive in Ghana are conspicuously missing. We fill this void in the literature. Data used came from the first wave of the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Survey (SAGE). A total of 5573 respondents were sampled for the study. Random-effects C-log log models were employed in examining socio-economic, lifestyle and psychosocial factors on the risks of becoming hypertensive in Ghana. Separate models were run for male and females. Results indicate strong significant associations between socio-economic, lifestyle and psychosocial factors on the likelihood of becoming hypertensive among Ghanaian men and women. This study highlights the need for policy makers to adopt a holistic policy towards curbing the rates of hypertension in Ghana-one that considers lifestyle changes among the wealthy and promotes the psycho-social health of the Ghanaian people in general.