Physical inactivity and its associated disease prevalence among civil servants in Accra, Ghana: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Disease prevalence has been documented in many professions across the world with varying prevalence rates. Studies have been done on disease prevalence among nurses, market women and traders, however, little is found on disease prevalence among the civil servants working at the Ministries in Ghana.

Objectives: 

1. To determine the disease prevalence among Ghanaian civil servants who patronize the civil service polyclinic, Accra.

2. To determine the age distribution of disease prevalence among civil servants at the Ministries.

3. To determine the gender distribution of disease prevalence among civil servants at the Ministries.

Study design: A retrospective study design was used for this study.

Methods: Records of civil servants were reviewed from the data storage system of the civil service polyclinic from January 2014 to December 2017. A sample size of 135 records was found eligible and included in the study as appropriate.

Results: Out of a total of 135 sampled for the study, 56.3% were females, and 43.7% were males. The ages of the sampled population ranged from 27 to 70 years with a mean age of 52 years. Hypertension was more prevalent among the civil servants' with a record of 36.4%, followed by diabetes mellitus accounting for 19.1%. Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were higher in females (59.3%) than in males (40.7%) and also increased with increasing age.

Conclusion: Hypertension and diabetes are more prevalent among Ghanaian civil servants at the Ministries who patronize the civil service polyclinic. Preventive measures aimed at curbing high incidence rate of above conditions are advised.