Published in PLOS One on 2026-02-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original study title: Health seeking behaviors of nurses diagnosed with hypertension and providing health care in resource-constrained setting in a rural part of Northern Ghana: A qualitative study
Original authors: Thomas Ankomanin, Kennedy Dodam Konlan, Kwadwo Ameyaw Korsah
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0342406
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Hypertension poses a significant occupational health threat to nurses globally, exacerbated by demanding work environments that can hinder their own health-seeking behaviors. In Ghana, despite a high burden of non-communicable diseases and the existence of employee health and wellbeing programme, evidence on how nurses with hypertension navigate their personal health management remains limited, particularly in high-stress settings like those in rural part of Ghana.
We explored the health seeking behaviors of nurses diagnosed with hypertension and providing health care in a resource-constrained setting in a rural part of Northern Ghana.
The study employed a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design. Through purposive sampling, twelve (12) nurses diagnosed with hypertension were recruited from the Kintampo Municipal Hospital’s Employee Wellness Clinic. Data was collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework and supported by NVivo 14.0 software, was used to assist with the data analysis.
The analysis yielded nine major themes. The participants demonstrated high biomedical knowledge and perceived hypertension as a severe condition, strongly linked to occupational stress. Key barriers to effective management included overwhelming workload and scheduling constraints, financial limitations, a pervasive culture of professional self-reliance and stigma, and a critical lack of institutional support systems. While family and peer support were vital facilitators, they were insufficient to overcome systemic barriers. Nurses exhibited strong self-management practices, but their health-seeking was often reactive rather than preventive.
A significant gap exists between nurses’ knowledge of hypertension and their health-seeking actions. This gap is primarily driven by organizational and systemic barriers within the workplace, rather than a lack of individual awareness. To protect this critical workforce, we recommend that nurse managers, hospital management and health policymakers must prioritize the implementation of structured, low-cost workplace wellness programmes. These should include routine screening, flexible scheduling, anti-stigma campaigns to promote health-seeking, and confidential peer support systems to enable nurses to translate their knowledge into consistent self-care practices when diagnosed with hypertension.
Introduction
Hypertension, often described as the “silent killer,” is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature deaths worldwide [1–3]. Globally, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years are living with hypertension, with two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries [1,3]. In Africa, about 46% of adults aged 25 years and above have hypertension [2,4]. Hypertension is a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, alcohol use, obesity, and demographic transitions [1–5]. In Ghana, prevalence rates continue to rise, with fewer than half of those affected being aware of their status and even fewer having their blood pressure under control [6–8]. This situation increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and premature death [2,6]. Other national studies in Ghana suggest that nearly one in four adults live with the condition [4–8].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Thomas Ankomanin, Kennedy Dodam Konlan, Kwadwo Ameyaw Korsah. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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