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May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malaysia
Yook Chin Chia1,2, Navin Kumar Devaraj3,4, Jack Bee Chook1
1Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia.
Insights
In Malaysia, one in five adults screened had hypertension. While awareness was over 60%, less than 60% were treated, though 70% of those treated had controlled blood pressure (BP).
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Hypertension Management
Background:
- Hypertension is a leading global cause of mortality, yet awareness and control remain suboptimal in Malaysia.
- The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign aims to increase hypertension awareness and screening globally.
- Understanding the prevalence, awareness, and control rates of hypertension in Malaysia is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension in a Malaysian population sample.
- To assess the awareness and control rates of hypertension during the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign.
- To identify factors influencing hypertension status and control within the study population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3062 participants aged 18 years and above recruited from various screening sites.
- Data collection included socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, anthropometric measurements, and three blood pressure (BP) readings.
- Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive medication use.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of hypertension was 18.7% (n=572).
- Awareness of BP status was 63.2%.
- Among hypertensive individuals, 57.2% were on medication, and 70.3% of those treated had controlled BP.
Conclusions:
- One in five participants in the screening campaign had hypertension, with nearly two-thirds aware of their condition.
- While BP control was high among treated hypertensives (70%), less than 60% were receiving treatment.
- Hypertension screening programs like MMM are vital for enhancing awareness, promoting control, and reducing associated complications.
Abstract:
Despite hypertension remaining the leading cause of death worldwide, awareness of hypertension and its control rate is still suboptimal in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the proportion of both diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension, awareness and its control rate during the yearly May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign that has been coordinated by the International Society of Hypertension. Participants aged ≥18 years were recruited at various screening sites namely universities, health facilities, shopping malls, and other sites. Participant's socio-demographic, environmental, and lifestyle data were captured using a questionnaire. Three blood pressure (BP) readings as well as anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants. The mean of the second and third BP readings was used in analyses. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3062 participants were recruited. The proportion with hypertension in our study was 18.7% (n = 572). The proportion who were aware of their BP status was 63.2%. More than half (57.2%) of the hypertensives were on antihypertensive medication and 70.3% of those treated were controlled. In conclusion, in this BP screening campaign, one in five were hypertensive with almost two thirds aware of their hypertensive status. BP control among those who are taking medications was high at 70% but under 60% of hypertensives were on treatment. Hypertension screening programmes are important to promote awareness and control of hypertension as well as to reduce the devastating complications associated with this disorder.
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