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May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nigeria
Kolawole W Wahab1, Philip M Kolo1, Augustine Odili2
1Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240001, Nigeria.
Insights
Undetected hypertension is highly prevalent in Nigeria, affecting 39.2% of adults screened. Among those on medication, less than half achieved blood pressure control, highlighting a significant public health challenge.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a major global health concern with significant cardiovascular risks.
- Estimating the prevalence of undetected hypertension is crucial for public health planning in Nigeria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of undetected hypertension across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
- To assess blood pressure control rates among hypertensive individuals on medication.
Main Methods:
- Opportunistic screening of 3646 adults (≥18 years) in May 2019 using the May Measurement Month protocol.
- Blood pressure (BP) measured using validated digital and mercury sphygmomanometers.
- Hypertension defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or use of BP-lowering medication.
Main Results:
- Hypertension was detected in 39.2% of participants.
- Only 55.4% of hypertensive individuals were on antihypertensive medications.
- Blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg) was achieved in only 46.8% of those on medication.
- Factors like history of pregnancy-induced hypertension, alcohol intake, and smoking were associated with elevated BP.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of hypertension exists in Nigeria, with a substantial proportion remaining undetected or poorly controlled.
- Effective strategies are needed to improve hypertension detection, treatment, and control rates nationwide.
- Public health interventions should address lifestyle factors associated with increased blood pressure.
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to estimate the frequency of undetected hypertension across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We conducted an opportunistic screening of adults aged at least 18 years in the month of May 2019. Participants were recruited by trained volunteers using the May Measurement Month protocol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using validated digital and mercury sphygmomanometers. We defined hypertension as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or the use of BP-lowering medication. A total of 3646 participants (52.8% females) with a mean age of 44.5 ± 15.7 years were screened. Hypertension was present in 39.2% of the participants but only 55. 4% of these were on antihypertensive medications. Only 46.8% hypertensives who were on medications had their BP controlled (<140/90 mmHg). Previous history of hypertension in pregnancy, alcohol intake and smoking were associated with increased mean systolic and diastolic BPs. The frequency of Nigerians with hypertension is high while only about half of those on antihypertensive medications are controlled. A multi-pronged approach to reduce the burden of hypertension is needed.
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