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

The May Measurement Month (MMM) 2019 campaign aimed to raise awareness of the health issues surrounding raised blood pressure (BP) among the general public. It also sought to identify and facilitate reduction of BPs of participants who require intervention to lower their BP according to current country treatment guidelines. Participants aged ≥18 years were recruited on site through interactions with the study team, educational fliers, and as voluntary walk-ins in response to the media engagement prior to the campaign. Blood pressures were measured using validated upper-arm cuff electronic devices provided by Omron Healthcare in partnership with International Society of Hypertension. With the participant seated, their back supported and legs resting uncrossed on the ground, three BP and heart rate readings were taken and recorded, 1 min apart. Participants’ basic demographic data were also collected. Hypertension was defined as being on treatment for hypertension, or a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg (based on the mean of the last two of three readings). Of the 5459 screened participants, 1750 (32.1%) had hypertension, of whom 784 (44.8%) were aware they were hypertensive and 726 (41.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Among those on antihypertensive treatment, 47.0% had their BP controlled (<140/90 mmHg). Only 19.5% of all those with hypertension had their BP controlled. A total of 1024 (21.6%) of the 4733 participants not on antihypertensive treatment were hypertensive. Intensified preventive and treatment measures to control BP at the health system, individual and population levels remain a critical requirement for Botswana.