May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Georgia

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Georgia 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 274 sites, across the country. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with 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, 4269 were screened, with a mean age of 57.4 years and 63.0% of whom were female. Of all participants, 2904 (68.0%) had hypertension, of which 2601 (89.6%) were aware, and 2570 (88.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1009 (39.3%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 34.7% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Georgia identified significant numbers of participants with inadequately treated hypertension. Despite increased awareness among the population, effective hypertension management still requires significant improvement and an increase in the number of controlled cases in the country.