May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Kenya

Abstract

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of global mortality, but control rates remain poor because most patients, especially in Africa, are unaware. May Measurement Month (MMM) is an annual global BP screening campaign that was initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in 2017 to raise awareness of raised BP. Following participation in 2017 and 2018, Kenya participated again in 2019 and the results are reported here. Screening was carried out in 30 sites by volunteers coordinated by the Kenya Cardiac Society. Participants had three BP readings by standard methods with the last two being averaged and recorded. Heart rate, weight, height, socio-demographic parameters, and co-morbidities were documented. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP (DBP) ≥90 mmHg or being on treatment with at least one antihypertensive medication. A total of 33 992 participants were screened, mean age was 42.5 (SD 16.8) years and 58.7% of participants were female. Only 27.3% had their BPs checked within the preceding 12 months. After multiple imputation, 26.1% were hypertensive, of whom 34.5% were aware of their hypertension and 31.5% were on treatment. Of those on treatment, 59.7% were controlled translating to 18.8% of all hypertensives. Being on treatment for hypertension, overweight, obese or having had hypertension in previous pregnancy were associated with increased SBP and DBP, while diabetes was associated with raised SBP. Two-thirds of hypertensives were unaware. Only a third of those aware were on treatment, with about 60% of these controlled. Lack of awareness remains a significant barrier to BP control. Programmes to raise awareness such as MMM are significant in raising population awareness.

May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Kenya

“… 5–7 Data from previous campaigns have demonstrated a trend towards improved awareness, treatment, and BP control. 7 The positive correlation between CVD and severe COVID-19 infection were highlighted during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of campaigns such as MMM. 8 The 2021 MMM campaign was modified to take place between May and November in order to give countries the flexibility to schedule the screening activities amidst ongoing pandemic waves.…”

Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in rural African adults: a scoping review protocol of primary health care interventions

“…Several African countries are improving their PHC services for HTN in rural settings by implementing tailored interventions. Examples include an annual screening programme for high-risk HTN patients in Kenya,43 task-shifting or task-sharing of skills to nurses for HTN care delivery in Ghana44 45 and South Africa,46 medication adherence clubs in Kenya,47 HTN diagnosis and management using mobile phones throughout Africa,48 community health campaigns including linkage to care for HTN in Ethiopia49 and Uganda,50 51 and integrated care delivery with HIV in SSA countries 52…”

Community engagement to inform development of strategies to improve referral for hypertension: perspectives of patients, providers and local community members in western Kenya

“…Prevalence of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is 32% [ 2 ], a high burden compounded by low treatment and control rates estimated at 30% and 10% respectively [ 3 ]. In Kenya, hypertension prevalence is 25%, with low treatment (27%) and control rates (52%) [ 4 , 5 ], and is the fifth leading risk factor for death and disability [ 1 ].…”