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

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Nigeria in 2022 to raise awareness of high blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the campaign's findings. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at public and private areas, pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, and a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities was completed. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled hypertension 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, 5798 were screened, with a mean age of 44.2 years, and 54.8% were female. Of all participants, 2330 (40.2%) had hypertension, of whom 1362 (58.5%) were aware, and 1241 (53.3%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 522 (42.1%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 22.4% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Nigeria identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. There is a poor awareness and unacceptably high burden of hypertension among the Nigerian population. Urgent actions are required to improve the awareness of hypertension and reduce its associated health burden in Nigeria.