Risk factors associated with the incidence and prevalence of hypertension in Ghana: an integrated review (2016-2021).

HYPERTENSION risk factors; HYPERTENSION epidemiology; OBESITY; CINAHL database; MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems; SYSTEMATIC reviews; AGE distribution; POPULATION geography; ACQUISITION of data; RISK assessment; SEX distribution; SOCIAL classes; EMPLOYMENT; MEDICAL records; THEMATIC analysis; MARITAL status; ANXIETY; BODY mass index; MEDLINE; DIETARY sodium; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress; ADULTS; ADOLESCENCE

This study synthesized the risk factors associated with hypertension among adolescents and adults in Ghana. A systematic search in four databases between 2016 and 2021 retrieved 119 Ghanaian studies, and through screening, 16 were selected. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize extracted data. Prevalence of hypertension ranged from 13.0% to 28.4% and prehypertension 22.0% to 51.4%. The non-modifiable hypertension risk factors were age, marital status, gender, and residence. The modifiable risk factors were consuming additional table salt, salted meat, alcohol, canned meats, smoking, and psychological factors, including stress and anxiety. Also, higher education and socio-economic status, employment, access to medical insurance, overweight, and higher BMI were risk factors. Targeted, sustained, systematic, and effective intervention programs should target high-risk people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]