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

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Thailand in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at voluntary healthcare centres throughout Thailand. 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, 14,390 were screened, with a mean age of 52.7 years and 60.2% were female. Of all participants, 6,377 (44.3%) had hypertension, of whom 5,137 (80.6%) were aware, and 5,066 (79.4%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 3,391 (66.9%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 53.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Thailand identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Strategies to deliver early and effective BP control must be emphasized.