Perception of risk for hypertension and overweight/obesity in Cape Coast, Ghana.

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.