Health Seeking Behaviour Related to Hypertension Among Adults in Africa: A Scoping Review

Background Hypertension is a major public health challenge in Africa, yet evidence on health‐seeking behaviour and its determinants remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on health‐seeking behaviour and its determinants related to hypertension among adults in Africa. Methods The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological guidance for scoping reviews and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). Seven electronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed studies published between January 2010 and January 2025. Studies involving adults aged 18 years and older in African countries and addressing health‐seeking behaviour or its determinants in relation to hypertension were eligible for inclusion. Results Sixteen studies from nine African countries were included. Healthcare‐seeking behaviours were influenced by socio‐economic status, cultural beliefs, social support, health system factors and knowledge of hypertension. Medical pluralism and delayed healthcare utilization were commonly reported. Conclusion Hypertension‐related health‐seeking behaviour in Africa is shaped by individual, social, cultural and health‐system factors. Interventions that address these factors are needed to improve hypertension prevention, early detection, treatment uptake and control.