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

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is the leading risk factor contributing to mortality in Nepal. May Measurement Month (MMM) is an annual global hypertension screening campaign that aims to improve awareness of high BP at the individual and the population levels. This study presents the results of the MMM study in 2022 in Nepal. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically from 32 out of the 77 districts in Nepal. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. A total of 13 120 adults were screened, with a mean age of 38.8 years and 52.1% being female. Of all participants, 2653 (20.2%) had hypertension, of whom 1115 (42.0%) were aware, and 948 (35.7%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 539 (56.9%) had controlled BP. Of all participants with hypertension, 20.3% had controlled BP. The MMM22 in Nepal identified that a large proportion of participants had undiagnosed, untreated, or uncontrolled hypertension. May Measurement Month is a community-based BP screening programme to lessen the burden of hypertension by raising awareness and identifying those who should seek care at health facilities.