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To determine the prevalence, distribution and risk factors of hypertension among rural residents in Ghana.

Cross sectional study in four rural communities in the Ga District of Ghana.

All adults aged ≥18 years in four rural communities were asked to participate. The average of two blood pressure readings taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer after 10 minutes of rest was used in the analysis. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg.

362 subjects with a mean age of 42.4 ± 18.6 years participated in the study. The prevalence of hypertension was 25.4%. Of those with hypertension, only 32.3% (n=30) had prior knowledge of their condition, and less than half of these (n=12) were on treatment. Of those on treatment 16.7% were well controlled (blood pressure ≤140/90 mm Hg). The adjusted odds ratios for developing …