Factors associated with hypertension and diabetes in rural communities in the Asante Akim North Municipality of Ghana

<p>Hypertension and diabetes are leading non-communicable diseases driving an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in Ghana. Understanding the factors associated with the occurrence of hypertension and diabetes especially in rural settings is crucial in designing interventions to improve awareness, detection, and control. The study assessed factors associated with hypertension and diabetes in Asante Akim North Municipality, a rural community in the central belt of Ghana.  A cross-sectional study design involving 2,576 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to cover socio-demographic characteristics, blood pressure measurement, anthropometric measurement, biochemical parameters, and modifiable risk factors of hypertension and diabetes. Descriptive statistics on the outcome were done. Factors associated with hypertension or diabetes were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. he study found that participants' mean age was 35 years (SD) with<strong> </strong>a slight female preponderance representing 53.88%. Age, marital status, educational status, and occupation positively predict the occurrence of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was found to be 30.9% and 17.7% respectively. The Community members above 18 years of age have increased odds of developing hypertension [18-44 years (aOR=1.99, CI=1.06-3.71, p&lt;0.05), 45-64 years (aOR=6.12, CI=3.15-11.9, p&lt;0.001) and &gt;64 years (aOR=14.55, CI=7.17-29.53, p&lt;0.001)]. Community members who were fishing/farming (aOR=0.45, CI=0.26-0.76, p&lt;0.01)<em> </em>and being a student/apprentices <em>(aOR=0.11, CI=0.02-0.56)</em> were at reduced odds of developing diabetes. Participants who take snacks <em>(aOR=</em><em>0.64, CI=0.41-0.99, p&lt;0.05)</em> during working hours had reduced odds of developing diabetes. The study concludes that<strong> c</strong>ommonly known risk factors such as dietary behaviour, alcohol intake, tobacco use, and physical activities were not associated with hypertension or diabetes in rural Ghana. Social demographic characteristics and poor health screening practices were the main predictors of hypertension and diabetes in rural areas. Urgent steps at improving health education and population-level screening would be pivotal in controlling hypertension and diabetes.</p>