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

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Vietnam in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of increased blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically from 14 provinces and cities in Vietnam. 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 systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as the use of antihypertensive medication with a BP of <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputations were used to estimate the missing BP readings. In total, 11 796 were screened, with a mean age of 51.9 years and 58.2% were female. Of all participants, 4276 (36.2%) had hypertension, of whom 3232 (75.6%) were aware, and 2947 (68.9%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1297 (44.0%) had controlled BP; of all participants with hypertension, 30.3% had controlled BP. In total, 2979 (25.3%) were found to have either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with lower systolic BP (-2 mmHg, <i>P</i> < 0.001), and having 12 or more years of education was associated with lower diastolic BP (-1.8 mmHg, <i>P</i> < 0.001), while alcohol consumption, particularly at moderate to high frequencies, was positively associated with both systolic BP (<i>P</i> = 0.005) and diastolic BP (<i>P</i> = 0.010). Hormone replacement therapy use among women showed a positive association with both systolic (3.8 mmHg, <i>P</i> = 0.005) and diastolic (2.6 mmHg, <i>P</i> = 0.009) BPs. The MMM campaign in Vietnam identified a significant number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The need for targeted public health initiatives in Vietnam focused on hypertension awareness, lifestyle modification, and better management practices to enhance BP control.