May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from the Republic of the Congo

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in the Republic of the Congo 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 in rural areas and some cities in Congo. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with 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, 8619 were screened, with a mean age of 44.8 years and 49.8% were female. Of those screened, 2596 (30.1%) reported previous COVID-19 vaccination, 476 (5.5%) reported diabetes, 422 (4.9%) reported previous myocardial infarction, 124 (1.4%) reported previous stroke, 1211 (14.1%) were current smokers, and 1237 (14.4%) reported daily alcohol intake. Of all participants, 3054 (35.4%) had hypertension, of whom 1331 (43.6%) were aware, and 944 (30.9%) were on antihypertensive medication, of whom 801 (84.9%) were on monotherapy and 116 (12.3%) on dual therapy. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 235 (24.9%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 7.7% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Republic of the Congo identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Therapeutic education must be more active, in addition to enhanced screening, facilitating access to care and making medication available.