16th January 2025 2:10:06 PM
2 mins readApproximately eighty percent (80%) of Ghanaians between the age group of twenty-seventy (27) and sixty-two (62) are battling with hypertension.
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This information was highlighted in a 2024 report by a network of tech-driven primary care clinics, Rivia.
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The report indicated that it arrived at this data after sampling over twenty-three thousand (23,000) Ghanaian patients.The findings further revealed that the condition was notably more prevalent among men, where 68% were affected.
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“Over 80% of individuals aged 27-62 in research covering over 23,000 patients are hypertensive, with a prevalence of 68% among men,” parts of the report read.
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The study also revealed that 50% of a broader sample of 80,000 individuals are living with undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, highlighting a significant gap in effective healthcare management.
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“50% of a sample population of 80,000 has undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as high-salt diets, excessive alcohol consumption, and stimulant misuse are driving rising cases of kidney diseases, particularly among younger populations,”it added.
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Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
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This elevated pressure can damage the blood vessels over time and increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and eye problems.
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Furthermore, the report drew attention to the escalating prevalence of other "silent" killer diseases in Ghana, warning of a serious threat to both public health and the healthcare system.
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Among the four chronic conditions identified, diabetes, kidney disease, mental health disorders, and cancers the report emphasized that these diseases, which often progress unnoticed, are increasingly burdening the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
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The research also pointed to lifestyle factors such as excessive salt consumption, alcohol misuse, and stimulant abuse, which are driving a concerning rise in kidney disease, particularly among younger generations.
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Alarmingly, 23% of the youth are now affected. To address these challenges, the report advocated for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that includes strong government intervention, workplace health programs, and enhanced preventive healthcare strategies.
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It recommends tax incentives to encourage corporate wellness initiatives and proposes that companies, unions, and associations be mandated to provide subsidized annual health screenings for their employees.
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Additionally, the report calls for more rigorous food labeling regulations to reduce salt and sugar consumption in processed foods, empowering consumers to make healthier dietary choices.
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It also encouraged employers to integrate regular health checkups, mental health resources, stress management programs, and physical fitness activities into workplace wellness programs to foster overall well-being.
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