May Measurement Month 2022: An analysis of blood pressure screening results from Philippines

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in the Philippines in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at hospitals, doctor‘s clinics, health centres under local government units, private companies (pharmaceutical companies and corporates), drug stores, and others. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 42 526 were screened, with a mean age of 46.0 years, and 59.9% were female. Of all participants, 18 390 (43.2%) had hypertension, of whom 13 144 (71.5%) were aware, and 11 738 (63.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2792 (23.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 15.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Philippines identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The campaign resulted in higher awareness with regard to hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control.