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. 2018 Sep;52(3):140-146.
doi: 10.4314/gmj.v52i3.6.

Perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity in Cape Coast, Ghana

Derek A Tuoyire  1 , Sarah McNair  2 , Samuel A Debrah  3 , Rosemary B Duda  2   4
Affiliations

Perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity in Cape Coast, Ghana

Derek A Tuoyire et al. Ghana Med J. 2018 Sep.

Abstract

Background: This study examined the association between perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity.

Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.

Setting: Out-patient department of the Central Regional Hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Participants: Adult men and women at least 18 years old.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measures: Perception of risk for hypertension, overweight/obesity.

Results: About 39% of the participants (N=400) were found to be overweight/obese, with disproportionally higher rates among women (50%) than men (28%). Results of the binary logistic regression models revealed a strong positive association (OR = 2.21, 95% CI =1.23, 3.96) between perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity. Increasing age, high television exposure, female gender and being in a relationship were also noted to be associated with overweight/obesity.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for the design of programmes to help individuals appreciate the reality of weight-related health risks, as well as the need to embrace lifestyles that promote healthy weight outcomes.

Funding: Harvard Medical School Travelling Fellowship, Scholars in Medicine Office, Harvard Medical School.

Keywords: Cape Coast; Ghana; hypertension; obesity; overweight; perception; risk.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None declared

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