May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of screening results from Thailand

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Thailand 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 hospitals and co-working spaces in all regions of Thailand. 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, 10 562 were screened, with a mean age of 50.4 years and 60.8% of whom were female. Of all participants, 4670 (44.2%) had hypertension, of whom 3416 (73.1%) were aware, and 3240 (69.4%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1957 (60.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 41.9% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Thailand identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Appropriate intervention after BP screening together with prescribing suitable BP-lowering regimens should be implemented to enhance BP control.