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

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Mozambique 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 Zambézia, Sofala, and Maputo city, in Northern, Central, and Southern regions of Mozambique, respectively. 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, 8276 were screened, with a mean age of 36.9 years and 61.6% of whom were female. Of all participants, 2486 (30.0%) had hypertension, of whom 1122 (45.1%) were aware, and 735 (29.6%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 285 (38.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 11.5% had controlled BP. In conclusion, the MMM campaign in Mozambique identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension, calling attention to the need to improve the overall hypertension care cascade. There is an urgent need to increase awareness, improve access to appropriate antihypertensive medication and better follow up those on treatment.