P207 MAY MEASURE MONTH 2022 AND 2019: AN ANALYSIS OF BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING RESULTS PRE COVID-19 AND POST COVID-19 FROM ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

Background: Mongolia has experienced high mortality rates from ischaemic heart disease and haemorrhagic stroke, with hypertension as a major risk factor. Two separate hypertension screening campaigns were conducted: the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign in May 2019 and a follow-up campaign after the COVID-19 pandemic between July and September 2022. Methods: The 2019 MMM campaign involved screening at 80 sites, primarily workplaces, using trained health volunteers. Blood pressure was measured using clinically verified digital devices. In contrast, the 2022 campaign was conducted at five primary healthcare centers in Ulaanbaatar, with participants voluntarily attending the screening, where blood pressure was measured over three sessions. Results: In 2019, 6522 individuals were screened, with a hypertension prevalence of 32.5%, where 62.2% were aware of their condition and 50.1% were on medication. The control rate among those treated was 27.1%. In 2022, 1774 individuals were screened, showing a higher prevalence of 56.1%, with 95.4% awareness and 52.7% receiving treatment. The control rate for treated individuals was significantly higher at 48.5%. Conclusion: Both campaigns highlight the critical public health issue of hypertension in Mongolia. The increase in hypertension awareness and control rates in 2022 may be due to smaller sample size and participants are already patients who came to visit primary healthcare centers.However, the persistent high prevalence of hypertension underscores the need for continued prioritization and enhanced strategies in hypertension management.