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Article Title:
Diabetes And Hypertension; The Preventive Behaviours In Local Communities Of Ghana
by Michael Amponsah Kodom, PhD and Samuel Elvis Addo, PhD

Abstract:
This research investigates whether the rural communities in Ghana do intentionally or unintentionally prevent themselves from contracting diabetes and hypertension through their everyday activities. It examines: whether the rural people do any form of exercises or physical activities to prevent diabetes and hypertension; whether the rural folks are mindful of their eating habits concerning diabetes and hypertension; whether the rural communities work under any form of stress; and whether the rural communities check their diabetes and hypertension status. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, however the qualitative design dominated the research process because of the culturally sensitive nature of the topic. Key findings of this study highlights the fact that behaviours such as physical activity/exercising, eating habits, smoking, and stressful works, the rural communities are doing very well either directly or indirectly to prevent themselves from initiation of the development of diabetes and hypertension. However, other risk factors like excessive consumption of soft drinks; alcoholic beverages; additon of table salt to their foods; checking of one?s diabetes or hypertension status, the study commumities do not pay much attention to these risk factors as preventive mechanism of diabetes and hypertension. Practical implications include actionable recommendations for health promoters such as Food and Drug Authority, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, etc. to educate the rural folk on the excessive consumption of alcohol, salt, soft drinks and the importance of checking ones diabetes and hypertension status periodically.

Keywords: Diabetes, Hypertension, Preventive Behaviours, Local Communities, Shai-Osudoku District

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