May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in the Philippines
Arnold Benjamin C Mina, Neil R Poulter, Thomas Beaney, Gabriele Kerr, Alejandro Bimbo F Diaz, Dolores D Bonzon, Benjamin A Balmores, Marlon T Co, Glenn Q Mallari, Erick S Mendoza, Deborah Ignacia D Ona, Leilani B Mercado-Asis, Maria Vinny Defensor-Mina, Evelyn Abasolo-Lao, Peter Bryan E Dela Cruz, Norman Panfilo G Rabago, Edmyr M Macabulos, Niño Jesse S Villanueva, Christopher D Asido, Sharon R De Guzman, Regina M Bartolome, Ma Bernadette T Fuggan, Ezperanza Anita N Escano-Arias, Beverly D Menendez, Gernette P EstebanAbstract
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in the Philippines in 2023 to raise awareness of the importance of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited via opportunistic/convenience sampling at various screening sites. 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 and/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. In total, 33,190 were screened, with a mean age of 45.6 years and 58.9% were female. Of all participants, 11,421 (34.4%) had hypertension, of whom 4,177 (36.6%) were aware, and 4,058 (35.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2,088 (51.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 18.3% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Philippines identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. This group of patients represent a missed opportunity for prevention of complications, hence the need for improved awareness through establishment of year-round hypertension screening programs and the use of at least two or more first-line antihypertensive drugs to achieve good BP control as recommended by guidelines.