Health experts are raising serious concerns about the poor health-seeking behaviour among Ghanaians.
According to them, this is contributing to the increasing cases of hypertension, leading to severe health outcomes that could otherwise be managed or prevented.
Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure.
Despite its prevalence, many Ghanaians do not seek timely medical attention, contributing to the escalation of this silent killer.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse Show, cardiologist Dr. Florence Akumiah said that the situation is posing a serious threat to public health in Ghana.
She added that many individuals are unaware of the dangers of untreated hypertension and the importance of regular health check-ups.
“Current data shows that Ghanaians have poor health-seeking behaviour. In that, we don’t initiate seeking healthcare. It has to be prompted by illness, most often, or an occupational requirement, then we go and have a health screening. But ideally, you should be having an annual medical screening,” she indicated.
The cardiologist urged the public to take hypertension seriously and to seek regular medical care, at least once a year, to manage the condition effectively. She also called for more public health education campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of high blood pressure and the benefits of early detection and treatment.
Dr. Akumiah believes that improved health-seeking behaviour will go a long way toward controlling hypertensive cases and reducing the associated health risks, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of the population.
Latest Stories
-
PRINCOF to serve only one daily meal to teacher trainees over financial constraints
22 minutes -
CLOGSAG directs staff to strike over alleged misconduct by acting Births and Deaths Registrar
32 minutes -
Moving Health and Trotula Fund equip Tumu midwifery college
37 minutes -
Justice Dzamefe opposes gagging investigative journalism in defence of judiciary
52 minutes -
Ofosu Kwakye appeals for tax exemptions to sustain struggling state media
58 minutes -
Report facts, not perceptions – Justice Dzamefe tells journalists
1 hour -
Judgements are based on evidence not on friendships – Justice Dzamefe
1 hour -
Judiciary is not financially independent – Justice Dzamefe
1 hour -
‘Forget women, smoking and drinking’ if you want to be World Champion – Bukom Banku
1 hour -
Justice Dzamefe proposes timelines for court cases to enhance justice delivery
1 hour -
Global conference on human resources in Africa slated in August
2 hours -
Frederick Asare calls Kotoko’s FA Cup triumph a ‘special day’
2 hours -
We’ll cooperate with the majority in vetting of Supreme Court nominees – Minority
2 hours -
I am ready to defend myself in court for things I said about Zoomlion contract – Manasseh Azure
2 hours -
Livestream: Vetting of seven nominees to Supreme Court begins
2 hours