Prevalence of Hypertension and Obesity among People Living with Diabetes in Cape Coast Metropolis

Background: Globally, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are major public health concerns with significant morbidity and mortality. These conditions frequently co-exist and interact synergistically to worsen health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension and obesity among people living with diabetes in Cape Coast, Ghana. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 people living with diabetes visiting two hospitals in Cape Coast. Data on socio-demographics, medical history, anthropometrics, and blood pressure were collected. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Obesity was classified using BMI categories. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with hypertension and obesity. Results : Most of the study participants (68.6%) were overweight or obese with only about 29% having normal body mass index (BMI). Again, the majority of the study participants (76.6%) had some form of hypertension. Variables such as age (p=0.013), level of education (p=0.042), ethnicity (p=0.042), and sex (p=0.031) were associated with hypertension in people living with diabetes. Predictors of hypertension were age group ≥60 years (AOR = 12.2: 95%CI: 5.2 – 27.6: p=0.012), alcohol intake (AOR = 3.634: 95%CI: 2.329 - 17.157: p=0.024), family history of hypertension (AOR = 4.6: 95%CI: .4.6(0.161-35.38: p=0.002). Conclusion : The prevalence of hypertension and obesity is high among people living with diabetes in Cape Coast. There is sufficient evidence suggesting that sociodemographic characteristics such as age, level of education, sex, ethnicity and alcohol intake is associated with hypertension in this study population.