May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from South Africa

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in South Africa 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 university campuses, community centres, schools, sport complexes, public parks, shopping centres, hospitals, and through household visits. 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, 4602 were screened, with a mean age of 31.9 years and 61.9% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1217 (26.5%) had hypertension, of whom 456 (37.5%) were aware, and 406 (33.4%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 205 (50.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 16.8% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in South Africa identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The high prevalence of hypertension, despite the young adult age, together with the high proportions of individuals unaware of their hypertension and with uncontrolled BP highlights the need for hypertension screening and awareness campaigns, and more rigorous management of hypertension.