To Determine the Pathogenesis and Preventive Strategies of Hypertension-Induced Kidney Failure among Hypertensive Patients in the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Background: Blood pressure is the force used by circulating blood, against the walls of the major blood vessels in the human body. High blood pressure or hypertension is when the pressure in the blood is elevated [1]. Each year an estimated 41 million people die from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounting for about 70% of all deaths globally [2]. A predicted number of 1.13 billion individuals worldwide have hypertension with about two-thirds being those living in the low- and middle-income countries [1].

Objective: The aim of this study was to unravel the pathogenesis and preventive strategies of hypertension-induced kidney failure among hypertensive patients in the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Methods: The study employed the Analytical cross-sectional study with quantitative method approach of data collection. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the 200 study participants who were diagnosed of hypertension for more than 6 months. The data was collected within 3 weeks, using a structured questionnaire. Data were examined using the SPSS program IBM version 24. Descriptive statistics, including proportions, frequencies, and cross-tabulations, were used to summarize the study variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with hypertension-induced kidney failure. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 200 respondents were included in the analysis and there were more men 126(63.0%) than women 74(37.0%). A total number of 38(19.0%), participants have been diagnosed hypertension-induced kidney failure. 49(24.5%) indicated that they have family history of Kidney disease. The common risk factors in developing hypertension-induced kidney failure identified by the participants were; Aging 150 (75.0%), poor eating habits 141 (70.5%), smoking 120 (60.0%), and excessive alcohol consumption 95 (45.5%). Significant association between hypertension-induced kidney failure and age group was observed (p < 0.002).

Conclusion: Increasing age, obesity, level of education and physical activity were found to be significantly associated with hypertension-induced kidney failure, indicating opportunities for health education and other prevention measures. Sincere efforts are needed to increase the awareness of hypertension through continuous group education courses in the primary health care centers and hospitals.