May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at participated hospitals/clinics, chain of pharmacies and selected out-reach community events throughout the country. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 77,008 adults were screened, with a mean age of 37.8 years and 47.3% were female. Of all participants, 14,912 (19.4%) had hypertension, of whom 7,799 (52.3%) were aware, and 7,408 (49.7%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 4,222 (57.0%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 28.3% had controlled BP. Females showed better awareness and BP control than males. MMM23 highlights a substantial burden of hypertension in the UAE, with many individuals untreated or inadequately controlled. These findings reinforce the value of large-scale screening and the need for targeted public health strategies to improve hypertension detection, treatment, and control.