May Measurement Month 2017–2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract Hypertension is a key cardiovascular disease risk factor leading to premature mortality worldwide. The purpose of the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign in Ukraine is to improve awareness of hypertension at the individual and population level. Adults (≥18 years) were screened at sites in Ukraine. Data from the MMM17 (19 sites), MMM18 (1 site), and MMM19 (5 sites) campaigns are included in the present analysis. Ideally, three blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken for each participant, and data on lifestyle factors and comorbidities were collected. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg (based on the mean of the second and third readings) or being on antihypertension medication. Multiple imputation was used to estimate participants’ mean BP where readings were missing. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between BP and participant characteristics. Of all 46 549 screenees, 33 307 (71.6%) had hypertension, and 82.6% of whom were on antihypertensive medication. Of all those on medication, 31.4% were controlled to BP < 140/90 mmHg, and of all 33 307 participants with hypertension, 25.9% had controlled BP. Of all participants, 6.6% took statins and 11.2% took aspirin. The analysis of the MMM 2017, 2018, and 2019 campaigns has shown a high proportion of hypertension, insufficient level of awareness, and critically low level of effective BP control in Ukraine. Further MMM screening is needed to increase awareness of high BP and to help improve diagnosis, management, and treatment of hypertension.