What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Hypertension (n=419). Primary outcome: Prevalence of hypertension defined by ACC/AHA 2017 guideline (Stage 1 ≥ 130/80 mmHg, Stage 2 ≥ 140/90 mmHg).

What does this research mean for the field?

The prevalence of hypertension among public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality, Ghana, is 33.89%, with 73.24% of hypertensive cases previously undiagnosed, and is significantly associated with older age, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and obesity. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality.

February 26, 2026Open Access

Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality, Ghana

Key Result

The prevalence of hypertension among public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality, Ghana, was 33.89%, with 73.24% of hypertensive cases previously undiagnosed.

Key Points

The study aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality.
Cross-sectional design involving 419 teachers from 47 schools
Data collected using a WHO STEPwise questionnaire
Descriptive analysis summarised data in frequency and percentage
Logistic regression identified factors associated with hypertension
33.89% had stage 1 hypertension and 19.81% had stage 2 hypertension
24.82% of participants were unaware of their hypertension status
Older age (≥50 years) was significantly associated with hypertension
Alcohol consumption more than once a week and being diabetic also showed significant associations
Overweight or obese individuals had increased odds of hypertension

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=419)

Multicenter

Structured PICO

Population

419 public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality, Ghana, mean age 37 (±8.02) years, 63.96% female.

Outcome

Prevalence of hypertension (defined as ≥ 130/80 mmHg for stage 1 and ≥ 140/90 mmHg for stage 2) and associated factors

There is a high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among public school teachers in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need for workplace screening and lifestyle interventions.

Limitations

Cross-sectional design limits causal inference
Study conducted in one municipality limiting generalizability
Self-reported behavioral data may be subject to bias

Abstract

Hypertension is a major global public health concern, with its burden steadily increasing in developing countries, including Ghana. School teachers are at increased risk due to occupational stress, sedentary behaviour, and lifestyle factors, yet their hypertension status remains understudied. This study investigated the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality, Ghana. This study employed a cross-sectional design involving 419 teachers from 47 public schools in the municipality, recruited between January 27, 2025, and March 14, 2025. Data from participants were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 15.0. Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarise the data in frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with hypertension at a 5% significance level. The prevalence of stage 1 and 2 hypertension was 33.89% and 19.81%, respectively. Approximately 24.82% of participants were unaware that they were hypertensive before the study. Older age ≥ 50 years (reference group: < 50 years; aOR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.17–9.72), alcohol consumption more than once a week (aOR = 9.55, 95% CI: 1.2–76.1), being diabetic (aOR = 9.15, 95% CI: 1.0–80.8), and overweight or obese (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.09–2.84) were significantly associated with hypertension among public school teachers. The prevalence of hypertension among public school teachers in Obuasi East Municipality was high and closer to the national prevalence, with many undiagnosed cases. School-based interventions, including health education, lifestyle modification, and regular screenings targeting modifiable risk factors, specifically alcohol and obesity, are urgently needed. Integrating these initiatives into occupational health policies can foster a supportive environment where teachers prioritise their health and well-being.

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