May Measurement Month 2023: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Oman

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Oman in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at hospitals, clinics, workplaces, and public spaces in eight regions of Oman. 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, 3,114 were screened, with a mean age of 40.1 years and 38.4% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1,010 (32.4%) had hypertension, of whom 421 (41.7%) were aware, and 389 (38.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 221 (56.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 21.9% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Oman identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These findings highlight persistent gaps in the awareness, identification, and management of hypertension across Oman. The MMM campaigns emphasise the need for broader community screening, targeted educational initiatives, and system-level strategies to improve hypertension control and reduce cardiovascular risk.