Hypertension incidence among Ghanaian migrants and non-migrants: the RODAM-Pros cohort

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrants are disproportionately affected by hypertension, compared to the European-host population. Underlying reasons for the increased hypertension prevalence are still unclear, and longitudinal data are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe hypertension prevalence and incidence rates among Ghanaian migrants residing in the Netherlands, compared to non-migrants residing in Ghana, and the European-Dutch host population. METHODS: We analysed data of the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants prospective (RODAM-Pros) study collected at baseline (2011-2015) and follow-up (2019-2021). Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90mmhg and/or the use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: In the follow-up data collection, 2165 Ghanaian participants (n = 638 from rural Ghana, n = 608 from urban Ghana, and n = 919 Ghanaian migrants in Amsterdam) and 2098 European-Dutch participants were included. Preliminary results show age-standardised prevalence rates of hypertension at follow-up of 36.9% in rural Ghana, 54.3% in urban Ghana, 59.5% in Amsterdam-Ghanaians, and 33.2% in European-Dutch males. Age-standardised 6-years incidence rates of hypertension were 29.0% in rural Ghana, 27.6% in urban Ghana, 34.4% in Amsterdam-Ghanaians, and 7.3% in European-Dutch females. CONCLUSIONS: These first results show high prevalence and incidence rates of hypertension with differing rates between Ghanaians living in Ghana and in Europe. Future analysis will aim to identify determinants underlying these rates. The findings from the RODAM-Pros study will be valuable for designing effective prevention and clinical management strategies to prevent the burden of hypertension and related complications, both in SSA and SSA migrants in Europe. KEY MESSAGES: • Hypertension prevalence and incidence are highest in Ghanaian migrants, and incidence rates are substantial in non-migrants in Ghana. • Determinants of these rates need to be elucidated to design effective preventive strategies.