This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of hypertension among people in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to carry out the study. A total of 408 participants were recruited from the municipality. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire, which assessed their awareness-level and knowledge-level on hypertension. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis of data.
With a total of 408 who participated in the study, 48.3 % were female and 51.7 % were male. Hypertension awareness was around 89 % among the participants. There was a significant level of awareness on hypertension among the respondents from the hypothesis t-valve (0.994) and p-valve (0.044). Most of the participants were able to determine BP 120/80 mm Hg as the average blood pressure and BP > 140/90 mm Hg as hypertension, respectively. When it comes to management option, 60 % preferred an orthodox treatment and 44 % knew stroke as a risk factor of hypertension.
Though the majority of the participants were educated and more than half were not able to mention drugs as a way to manage hypertension. In general, the knowledge and awareness-level of hypertension was good. Nevertheless, more research needs to be done to further explore this. The spike in incidence of adult related hypertension is now among one of the most significant public health problems globally. Prevention of hypertension-related complications can be achieved when individuals become aware of the condition and have knowledge on the importance of control of their blood pressure.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background to the Study
1.1 Statement of the Problem
1.2 Purpose of the Study
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Research Hypotheses
1.5 Significance of Study
1.6 Structure of the Thesis
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Definition of hypertension
2.1.1 Blood Pressure Measurement
2.1.2 Mild Hypertension
2.1.3 Severe Hypertension
2.1.4 Types and Causes of Hypertension
2.1.5 Other Types of Hypertension
2.1.6 Hypertension and Pregnancy
2.1.7 Risk Factors of Hypertension
2.1.8 Complications of Hypertension
2.1.9 Hypertension Management
2.2 Prevalence and burden of hypertension
2.3 Pathophysiology of Hypertension
2.4 Knowledge and Awareness of Hypertension
2.5 Theoretical Perspectives of the Study
3. METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Area
3.3 Sampling Techniques
3.4 Inclusive Criteria
3.5 Exclusive Criteria
3.6 Data Collection
3.7 Reliability and Validity Testing
3.8 Data Processing and Analysis
3.9 Dependent Variable
3.10 Independent Variables
3.11 Ethical Considerations
4. DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DUSCUSIONS
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Demography of Respondents
4.2 Religion
4.3 Awareness on Hypertension
4.4 Information on Hypertension
4.5 Knowledge of Hypertension
4.6 Hypertension and Average Normal Reading
4.7 Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
4.8 Risk Factors Contributing to Hypertension
4.9 Organs that Hypertension Affects
4.10 Complications of Hypertension
4.11 Preferred Management Option
4.12 Hypothesis Testing
4.13 Discussion
5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
5.4 Avenue for future studies
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding hypertension among the residents of the Ga West Municipality in Greater Accra, Ghana. The research aims to evaluate public understanding of the condition, its management, and its associated complications, providing empirical data to guide municipal health policy and community-based health education initiatives.
- Hypertension knowledge, prevalence, and public awareness levels.
- Risk factors associated with hypertension (biological and behavioral).
- Common management strategies and treatment options for hypertension.
- Complications arising from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- The impact of health education on lifestyle modification and disease prevention.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Definition of hypertension
The medical term for increase in blood pressure is called hypertension (Buckman & Westcott, 2006). In hypertension (increased blood pressure), there is a constant high pressure in the blood vessel, which pumps blood which is transported to all the blood vessels in the body. The amount of blood supply to the blood vessels depends on the heart beats. When blood is pumped by the heart, the force against the walls of the blood vessels generates blood pressure. The stronger the heart pumps have a link with the higher the blood pressure (WHO, 2013).
Since hypertension causes damage to large blood vessels, it is known to be a silent killer (Tortora & Derrickson, 2006). Because of the symptomless nature of the condition, the name hypertension was given: someone can have raised blood pressure for years without haven ideal about it (Kowalski, 2007).
Perry (2002) Indicates that in hypertension there is lack of warning signs and therefore individuals don’t feel sick. From a longitudinal and cross-sectional survey in adults, it has been proved that as human aged, diastolic and systolic blood pressures go high progressively. WHO MONICA cited example that systolic blood pressure goes high by 0.29-0.91mmHg, 0.6- 1.31mmHg per year in men and women respectively (Wolf et al., 1997).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: This chapter introduces the study, covering the background to hypertension, the research problem, objectives, questions, and the significance of the study within the Ga West Municipality.
CHAPTER TWO: This section provides a literature review on the definitions, types, risk factors, pathophysiology, and management of hypertension, as well as theoretical frameworks applied to the study.
CHAPTER THREE: This chapter details the research methodology, including the cross-sectional study design, research area characteristics, sampling techniques, and data collection tools used.
CHAPTER FOUR: This chapter presents the findings from the data analysis, offering demographic profiles, results on knowledge and awareness levels, and testing of the research hypotheses.
CHAPTER FIVE: This concluding chapter summarizes the key findings, offers conclusions regarding the knowledge and awareness of the study population, and provides recommendations for health authorities and policy development.
Keywords
Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Knowledge, Awareness, Ga West Municipality, Cardiovascular Diseases, Public Health, Lifestyle Modification, Risk Factors, Primary Healthcare, Epidemiology, Health Education, Chronic Diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating the extent of knowledge and awareness of hypertension among the population living in the Ga West Municipality, Greater Accra, to identify gaps in public understanding.
What are the central thematic areas of the study?
The study centers on the definition of hypertension, its risk factors, common complications, management practices, and the role of health education in controlling the condition.
What is the main research question of this study?
The research asks what the current levels of knowledge and awareness are regarding hypertension, its management, and complications among the residents of the Ga West Municipality.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The study employed a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional survey design using a structured questionnaire administered to 408 participants.
What topics are explored in the main body of the work?
The work covers theoretical perspectives, the pathophysiology of hypertension, the burden of the disease, and detailed statistical analysis of the participants' demographic and awareness data.
Which keywords define this academic work?
Key terms include Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Knowledge, Awareness, Public Health, Risk Factors, and Lifestyle Modification.
How does the research define "hypertension" for its participants?
The research aligns with clinical definitions, noting that hypertension is often defined as systolic blood pressure >140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >90mmHg.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the study population?
The author concludes that while awareness of hypertension as a "silent killer" is generally good among the participants, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding specific medication names and management details.
- Quote paper
- Michael Oppong Yeboah (Author), 2020, Knowledge and Awareness of Hypertension in Ghana. Management of Hypertension, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/978228
