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

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Albania in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at 27 sites across several districts of Albania. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 12 348 participants were screened, with a mean age of 49.9 (SD ±15.0) years and 59.5% of whom were female. Of all participants, 4908 (39.7%) had hypertension, of whom 3170 (64.6%) were aware, and 3053 (62.2%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1807 (59.2%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 36.8% had controlled BP. Mean systolic and/or diastolic BP was significantly higher among participants with no formal education and those with a sedentary lifestyle. Whilst, current smoking was positively related to high systolic BP only. The MMM campaign in Albania identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Findings from MMM22 underscore the critical need for enhanced hypertension screening management and follow-up care within the Albanian healthcare system.