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

In Bangladesh, about one in four adults aged 18-69 years are hypertensive. Nationwide periodic blood pressure (BP) screening campaigns are helpful in identifying undiagnosed patients. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Bangladesh in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised BP. Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at 100 screening sites in 27 districts in Bangladesh. 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, 16 544 were screened, with a mean age of 47.4 years and 51.7% of whom were female. Of all participants, 9654 (58.4%) had hypertension, of whom 8593 (89.0%) were aware, and 8087 (83.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 4014 (49.6%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 41.6% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Bangladesh identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Ensuring effective detection and treatment of raised BP is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent death and disability due to high BP.