May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Mali

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Mali in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). This article reports the results of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at six districts in Bamako, Mali. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 2,717 adults were screened, with a mean age of 42.4 years and 62.5% were female. Of all participants, 1,184 (43.6%) had hypertension, of whom 661 (55.8%) were aware, and 611 (51.6%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 230 (37.6%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 19.4% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Mali identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These data highlight the need for improved diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Therefore, current practice needs to be strengthened, and more research is needed to evaluate the reasons for shortcomings and improvements put in place.