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

Abstract

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

Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at 175 screening sites in 18 Health Regions across the country, and data were collected by 54 trained healthcare volunteers. Three seated BP readings were taken from each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg or a 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, 7,373 adults were screened, with a mean age of 47.0 years and 62.1% were female. Of all participants, 4,072 (55.2%) had hypertension, of whom 3,009 (73.9%) were aware, and 2,912 (71.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1,274 (43.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 31.3% had controlled BP. Of those on BP-lowering medication, 47.5% were taking only one pharmacologic agent. Male participants showed lower awareness of high BP, were less likely to use BP-lowering medication, and exhibited poorer BP control.

The MMM campaign identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These findings emphasise the need to strengthen prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and public health policies to improve patient outcomes.