May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Malawi

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Malawi in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP).

Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at various places like hospitals, community places, churches and workplaces in both urban and rural areas of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mangochi and Machinga districts. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 6,113 were screened, with a mean age of 38.8 years and 63.8% were female. Of all participants, 1,833 (30.0%) had hypertension, of whom 496 (27.1%) were aware, and 473 (25.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 190 (40.2%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 10.4% had controlled BP.

The MMM campaign in Malawi identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The screenings were done in just four districts and a few locations or villages which may not be representative of the country. This indicates that there is a significant need to expand screening opportunities to many parts especially rural areas where the majority live for early detection of hypertension which will have a greater impact on the country as far as the fight against hypertension is concerned.