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Published:
Dec 26, 2018DOI:
10.4314/gmj.v52i3.6Keywords:
Article Details
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Main Article Content
Perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity in Cape Coast, Ghana
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: overweight, obesity, risk, perception, hypertension, Cape Coast, Ghana
