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

Abstract

Hypertension is a major contributor to premature death and disability globally. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 30–79 years is among the highest at 36%. Despite the availability of cost-effective interventions, awareness, treatment, and control rates remain low. To tackle this and raise awareness, the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was initiated by the International Society of Hypertension in 2017. This paper summarizes results from the 2021 MMM campaign. Screening was conducted in 22 sites across 7 counties. We aimed to take three blood pressure (BP) readings and corresponding heart rate measurements as per the standardized protocol. Where this was not achievable, at least one reading was taken. Other variables recorded included demographic data, risk factors, comorbidities, and history of COVID-19 infection. A total of 9738 individuals were screened, of whom 57% were female. After multiple imputations, 28.2% were hypertensive, of whom 45.9% were aware and 42.0% were on treatment. Of those on treatment, 50.3% were controlled, translating to control among only 21.1% of the total hypertensive population. Previous COVID-19 vaccinations were associated with lower systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Individuals who consumed alcohol one to three times a month had lower diastolic BP after adjustment for age, sex, and anti-hypertensive treatment. Among women, the use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with lower SBP and DBP after adjustment for age, sex, and anti-hypertensive treatment. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates remain low, though trends from previous MMM campaigns in Kenya suggest steady improvement. The associations between COVID-19 vaccination and contraceptive use with lower BP warrant further investigation. Programmes such as MMM provide much needed data to track the progress towards reducing the burden of hypertension.