# Sociodemographic predictors of health-related quality of life dimensions in hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study in a Ghanaian Municipal Hospital

## TL;DR

This study explores how sociodemographic factors like age, income, and residence affect quality of life in Ghanaian adults with hypertension.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on sociodemographic predictors of quality of life in hypertensive patients in a Ghanaian setting.

## Key findings

- Younger age and urban residence are strongly associated with better physical and social quality of life.
- Low income is linked to reduced quality of life across all domains.
- Male sex is associated with better physical and psychological quality of life.

## Abstract

Hypertension is a major public health concern worldwide and can adversely affect multiple aspects of quality of life (QoL). Sociodemographic factors may influence how adults experience QoL, yet evidence from Ghana remains limited. This study examined the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and QoL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains among adults with hypertension attending Mampong Ashanti Municipal Hospital. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed among 330 hypertensive adults, using a simple random sampling technique from the outpatient registry. QoL was assessed using standardized instruments, while sociodemographic variables included age, sex, marital status, education, employment, income, religion, and place of residence. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests explored differences in QoL scores, while logistic regression estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for predictors of good QoL in each domain. Data from 330 participants were analyzed; younger age, male sex, higher education, employment, higher income, and urban residence were associated with higher QoL scores. Adjusted analyses indicated that participants aged 18–35 years had higher odds of good physical (AOR = 18.97, 95% CI: 5.50-65.39) and social QoL (AOR = 29.10, 95% CI: 6.20-136.50). Male sex predicted better physical (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.20-4.44) and psychological QoL (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.54-5.26). Low income (<999 GHS) reduced the likelihood of good QoL across all domains. Urban residence increased the odds of good physical QoL (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.69-5.97). Sociodemographic characteristics; age, sex, income, and place of residence, strongly influence QoL among adults with hypertension. Interventions to improve quality of life should prioritize older adults, who report lower physical and social well-being; low-income earners, who have reduced scores across all domains, and rural residents who experience poorer physical, psychological, and social QoL.