Prevalence and Determinants of Arterial Hypertension among Employees of the Headquarters of Architectural & Engineering Services Limited (AESL), Accra, Ghana: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) has remained a severe disease with increasing worldwide prevalence, leading to life-threatening complications for decades. Previous studies conducted in Ghana indicated that HTN prevalence cut across all professionals, regions and rural and urban settings of the country. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among employees of the headquarters of AESL, Accra. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 112 persons aged 20 to 60 years (non-pregnant and with complete blood pressure measurement) who responded to a questionnaire and underwent physical examinations, including blood pressure measurements. HTN was classified as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg among employees. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between hypertension and risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among respondents was 52.7% and was higher among males, older adults and engineers. History of alcohol intake was associated with the prevalence of hypertension (aOR=4.18, 95% CI=1.47 -11.87). Employees aged 40-49 years and 50-59 years were 7.58 times (aOR=7.58, 95% CI =1.65-34.77) and 5.96 times (aOR=5.96, 95% CI=1.23-28.99) more likely to become hypertensive, respectively. Employees with a history of alcohol intake were 4.18 times more likely to become hypertensive than those who had never taken alcoholic drinks (aOR=4.18, 95% CI=1.47-11.87). Conclusion: The high prevalence rate of hypertension identified among AESL headquarters employees underscores the need for authorities to implement workplace wellness programs, including early health screenings for hypertension for employees. With the specific risk factors identified, targeted health education and promotion strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, can be implemented.