Exploring the Association Between Socio-Economic Factors and Hypertension among Automobile Spare Parts Dealers in the Abossey Okai Enclave at the Ablekuma Central District Greater Accra Region Ghana

Abstract

Background: Hypertension referred to as high blood pressure is a condition in which the blood vessels persistently receive high pressure. It was once regarded as a problem only in high income countries but currently, a global problem. There is increased prevalence of hypertension in low income countries with Ghana having an overall prevalence of 13.0%. It is a major risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases in developing countries. Being a major cause of cardiovascular disease, the socioeconomic factors that predispose people to hypertension include education, income levels, diet and stress. The general objective of the study was to explore the association between socio-economic factors and hypertension among automobile spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai enclave in the Ablekuma Central District. Methods: The study employed a cross sectional design at Abossey Okai between January and March,2020. Quantitative data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. A total sample size of 200 respondents was obtained and used for descriptive and inferential analyses with significant level set at p<0.05. Results: Prevalence level of hypertension among the respondents was 17% with 95% CI (0.12-22). Factors that were significantly associated with hypertension at the bivariate stage were education (p<0.001), working experience (<0.001), monthly income (p<0.001) and Parent hypertension (p<0.001). Respondents who were above the age of 40 years had almost 11 times higher odds of hypertension compared to those below 40 years (p=0.017; 95% CI:1.53-75.63). Also, respondents with mothers who had hypertension were also 3 times more likely to have hypertension (p=0.047; 95%CI: 0.91-9.94). Conclusion: Compared to younger respondents (below 40 years), adults aged above 40 years were the risk group and had higher odds to the condition. A positive family history of maternal hypertension was a significant hypertension risk factor. The spare parts dealers should adopt a habit of regularly checking their blood pressure. The aged ones should by awareness of their susceptibility practice preventive measures to avoid having the condition.