Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign, conducted in South Africa in 2023 aimed to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at university campuses, community centres, schools, sport complexes, public parks, shopping centres, hospitals, and through household visits. 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 and/or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg and/or already receiving 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, 6,653 were screened, with a mean age of 38.8 years, the majority of whom were females (56.3%). Of all participants, 1,010 (15.2%) reported never having had a BP measured before, 2,500 (37.6%) had hypertension, of whom 1,170 (46.8%) were aware, and 1,098 (43.9%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, only 633 (57.7%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, only 25.3% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in South Africa identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The high prevalence of hypertension, despite the young adult age, together with the high proportions of individuals unaware of their hypertension and with uncontrolled BP highlight the importance of hypertension screening and awareness campaigns, and more rigorous management of hypertension, especially among young adults.

BACKGROUND:Infectious intestinal disease (IID) incurs substantial healthcare demands. The relationship between primary and secondary care utilisation for IID remains underexplored. AIM:To assess patient characteristics and time trends in IID-related primary care and hospital admission episodes. DESIGN & SETTING:A population-based, linked data study using deidentified healthcare and sociodemographic data from the Discover-NOW database of 2.7 million people in North-West London between 2015-2024. METHOD:IID-related episodes in primary care and hospital settings were defined using SNOMED CT and ICD10 codes. Annual episode frequencies were described. Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations of patient characteristics with 1) hospital admission during a primary care episode, and 2) primary care activity coinciding with or preceding a hospital admission episode. RESULTS:Between 2015-2024, annual IID-related primary care episodes decreased from 51 009 to 40,450, while hospital admission episodes increased from 8732 to 10 356. Children aged 0-4 years accounted for 23.7% of primary care and 7.8% of hospital admission episodes, compared to 16.1% and 42.7% respectively for adults aged≥60 years. During primary care episodes, compared to adults aged 18-34 years, the 0-4 years (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19-1.42) and≥80 years (4.77, 4.36-5.22) age groups had a higher odds of hospital admission. For hospital admission episodes, younger age and lower socioeconomic deprivation were associated with coinciding or previous primary care activity. CONCLUSION:IID-related primary care activity has declined since 2015 whilst hospital admissions have increased. Young children and older adults are more likely to be admitted to hospital during an IID-related primary care episode.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension remains a leading cardiovascular risk factor globally, with major implications for public health. The Mission 50/30 program, initiated by the Polish Society of Hypertension, aims to improve hypertension management in Poland by achieving blood pressure (BP) control in at least 50% of patients by 2030. This initiative builds upon the International Society of Hypertension’s May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign, addressing persistent gaps in awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2025, opportunistic BP measurements were conducted across 27 Polish cities, involving 4,829 participants aged ≥ 18 years. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle, and medication use. Among participants, 47.4% had a prior diagnosis of hypertension, and 84.4% of these reported taking antihypertensive medications. Blood pressure control (< 140/90 mm Hg) was achieved in 53.4% of treated individuals, while only 22.4% met the target of < 130/80 mm Hg. RESULTS: The study revealed that public BP screenings effectively identify individuals with elevated BP, including those unaware of their condition. Compared with the 2021 MMM campaign, the current study population showed a substantially higher proportion of participants with self-reported hypertension, while the percentage receiving antihypertensive treatment remained nearly unchanged. The share of individuals with previously diagnosed hypertension who achieved BP control (< 140/90 mm Hg) increased from 50.6% to 53.4%. The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was comparable to that observed in the 2019 MMM edition; however, in 2019, a higher proportion of hypertensive individuals were receiving treatment and had controlled BP than in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings underscore the importance of sustained public health efforts, standardized measurement protocols, and follow-up assessments to improve hypertension awareness and management.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Cameroon in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at multiple sites (markets, churches, homes, motor parks, workplaces, and hospitals/clinics). 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, 2,353 were screened, with a mean age of 44.9 years and 62.7% were female. Of all participants, 933 (39.7%) had hypertension, of whom 651 (69.8%) were aware, and 607 (65.1%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 318 (52.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 34.1% had controlled BP.

Abstract Hypertension is a leading non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factor in Nepal, estimated to affect approximately one quarter of the adult population. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Nepal in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling from 11 districts of Nepal from May to August 2023. Three seated BP readings were taken from 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 antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate one or two missing BP readings. In total, 7,589 were screened, with a mean age of 41.3 years and 50.4% were female. Of all participants, 1,828 (24.1%) had hypertension, of whom 833 (45.6%) were aware, and 716 (39.2%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 421 (58.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 23.0% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Nepal identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Despite a higher proportion of hypertension among males, their awareness, treatment, and control levels were significantly lower than that in females. This study highlights the need to strengthen community-based programs to enhance the continuum of hypertension detection and management.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Bangladesh in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at 600 screening sites in 64 districts in Bangladesh. Three seated BP readings were taken in each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 25,185 were screened, with a mean age of 46.9 years and 53.1% of whom were female. Of all participants, 12,974 (51.5%) had hypertension, of whom 10,708 (82.5%) were aware, and 10,219 (78.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 5495 (53.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 42.4% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Bangladesh identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Opportunistic BP screening can detect a considerable proportion of individuals with unrecognised and inadequately treated hypertension, thereby supporting early intervention and contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Benin in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). This article reports the results of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at 15 sites across nine urban, semi-urban, and rural communes. 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 and/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, 2,367 were screened, with a mean age of 44.0 years and 55.2% were female. Of all participants, 949 (40.1%) had hypertension, of whom 591 (62.3%) were aware, and 528 (55.6%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 192 (36.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 20.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Benin identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Measures must be taken to strengthen the prevention, detection and control of hypertension among Beninese adults.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Georgia in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically through convenience sampling at 268 sites across 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, 4,291 were screened, with a mean age of 58.0 years and 63.2% were female. Of all participants, 2,979 (69.4%) had hypertension, of whom 2,793 (93.8%) were aware, and 2,774 (93.1%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1,228 (44.3%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 41.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Georgia identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Antihypertensive treatment regimen noncompliance – interruption in treatment, arbitrary medication changes, etc. – remains a significant problem.

Abstract Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden and is the leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life years globally. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed to raise awareness of high BP and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programs worldwide and was conducted in Armenia in 2023. Participants aged 18 years and older were recruited using convenience sampling across Armenia, primarily at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as in workplaces, homes, and public areas. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, and a structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. A total of 5,965 individuals were screened, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 49.3 (16.6) years, and 53.9% of the cohort being female. The majority (98.6%) were screened in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy setting. The remaining participants were screened in public areas (indoor/outdoor) (0.3%), at the workplace (0.3%), or at home (0.4%). The overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 41.5% (n=2,476). Of these hypertensive participants: 49.0% (n=1,213) were aware of their condition and 43.4% (n=1,075) were receiving antihypertensive medication. Among those on BP-lowering medication, 40.7% (n=437) had controlled BP. Consequently, only 17.6% of all participants with hypertension achieved BP control. The MMM campaign in Armenia identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately controlled hypertension. The current situation, characterised by an insufficient hypertension control rate, necessitates continuous and rigorous change.

Background The growing prevalence of multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) poses a public health challenge. Existing quality of care (QoC) indicators are poorly suited to the needs of MLTC populations with limited clarity on how quality should be measured. This scoping review aimed to map QoC indicators for MLTC in primary care developed with patient and caregiver input, and to characterise the methods and extent of that involvement. Methods Scoping review following the six-stage framework by Arksey and O’Malley refined by Levac et al. Searches were conducted on six databases. Studies were included if adults with two or more chronic conditions were involved. Data were charted on indicator content (name, quality domain, data sources, measurement characteristics) and development processes (methodological approaches and stakeholders involved). Where indicators were not specified, qualitative findings were synthesised to identify QoC domains and mapped to the Donabedian model and Institute of Medicine quality domains. Community partners with lived experience of MLTC were involved. Results Twenty-five studies were included, 78 QoC indicators were identified and a further 33 quality domains were synthesised through thematic analysis. Quality was predominately measured through patient-experience surveys rather than indicators. Studies articulated quality through care processes such as care coordination, shared decision-making and holistic assessments. Outcomes focused on functional capacity, social participation and quality of life. Conclusion Despite robust evidence on what matters to people living with MLTC, few patient-derived QoC indicators have been developed into measurable indicators. Further work is needed to co-produce indicators suitable to existing primary care settings.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at hospitals, general practice surgeries, community pharmacies, universities, gyms, and other public places. Three seated BP readings were taken for 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 one or two missing BP readings. In total, 2,201 were screened, with a mean age of 51.9 years and 51.2% were female. Of all participants, 821 (37.3%) had hypertension, of whom 393 (47.9%) were aware, and 300 (36.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 152 (50.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 18.6% had controlled BP. Hypertension was more common in males, whilst awareness, antihypertensive medication use, and BP control were lower. Hypertension awareness and antihypertensive medication use were particularly low in adults aged <50 years. The MMM campaign in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom identified substantial numbers of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. This evidence reinforces the urgent need for more effective hypertension detection and control strategies to abate the rising hypertension burden.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in the Philippines in 2023 to raise awareness of the importance of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited via opportunistic/convenience sampling at various screening sites. 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 and/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. In total, 33,190 were screened, with a mean age of 45.6 years and 58.9% were female. Of all participants, 11,421 (34.4%) had hypertension, of whom 4,177 (36.6%) were aware, and 4,058 (35.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2,088 (51.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 18.3% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Philippines identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. This group of patients represent a missed opportunity for prevention of complications, hence the need for improved awareness through establishment of year-round hypertension screening programs and the use of at least two or more first-line antihypertensive drugs to achieve good BP control as recommended by guidelines.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Chile in 2023 to raise awareness of high blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at outpatient public health facilities, Universities, and public spaces. 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 ≥ 140 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 2261 were screened, with a mean age of 49.9 years and 64.0% were female. Of all participants, 1000 (44.2%) had hypertension, of whom 710 (71.0%) were aware, and 678 (67.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 391 (57.7%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 39.1% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Chile identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These results are consistent with the national health survey and should inform national policies aimed at screening and improving hypertensive control.

Abstract This article presents the findings of the May Measurement Month (MMM) 2023 campaign in Venezuela, conducted to raise awareness about elevated blood pressure (BP). Adults (≥18 years) were recruited through convenience sampling across 98 sites in eight Venezuelan regions, mainly in branches of FARMATODO (82.8%). Three seated BP measurements were obtained from each participant, and a standardized questionnaire collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg and/or a diastolic BP ≥90mmHg, or current use of BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive treatment with a BP <140/90mmHg. Of the 56,910 participants screened (mean age: 58.3 years, 57.1% female), 35,384 (62.2%) participants had hypertension, of whom 29,551 (83.5%) were aware of their condition and 29,134 (82.3%) were receiving antihypertensive medication. Among those treated, 17,746 (60.9%) had controlled BP, and among all participants with hypertension, 50.2% had controlled BP. Half (51.4%) of treated individuals were taking one class of drug. Other cardiovascular risk factors were prevalent: 9.5% of participants reported diabetes (76.4% of whom were also hypertensive), 56.8% were overweight or obese (Body Mass Index ≥25 kg/m2), and 52% reported physical activity less than guideline recommendations. Abdominal obesity was observed in 53.1% of females and 24.3% of males. In conclusion, the MMM23 campaign in Venezuela identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately controlled hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced strategies for BP screening, management, and overall cardiovascular health promotion.

Abstract High blood pressure (BP) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease with a high prevalence in the adult population despite advances in its diagnosis and treatment. In accordance with the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign, BP screening was conducted in 2023 by the Argentina Society of Arterial Hypertension (SAHA), to raise awareness of raised BP. This article reports the results of the campaign. A voluntary cross-sectional survey was conducted in public spaces and health centres from May to September 2023. Volunteer adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling. Two BP readings were taken in each participant, and a questionnaire completed collecting information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. 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. In total, 39,391 were screened, with a mean age of 57.5 years and 63.4% of whom were female. Of all participants, 24,777 (62.9%) had hypertension, of whom 21,044 (84.9%) were aware, and 20,775 (83.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 11,642 (56.0%) had control, and of all participants with hypertension, 47.0% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Argentina identified a substantial number of participants with untreated but more frequently inadequately treated hypertension. BP control has not significantly improved over the years. It is essential to implement more effective strategies, such as treatment adjustments, lifestyle changes, and close patient monitoring, to improve control and reduce long-term risks.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in South Korea in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at 19 public health centres in Seoul, Busan City Hall, and public venues such as Seoul Plaza. Three seated BP readings were taken from each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 2339 adults were screened, with a mean age of 60.8 years and 58.4% were female. Of all participants, 1157 (49.5%) had hypertension, of whom 831 (71.8%) were aware, and 784 (67.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 521 (66.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 45.0% had controlled BP. Significant age-related disparities were observed; awareness was critically low in young adults (27.3% in 18-29 years) compared to older adults (83.8% in ≥70 years). The MMM campaign in South Korea identified a substantial numbers of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The campaign clearly highlighted the awareness gap among younger adults, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to engage this population for early detection.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Oman in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at hospitals, clinics, workplaces, and public spaces in eight regions of Oman. 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, 3,114 were screened, with a mean age of 40.1 years and 38.4% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1,010 (32.4%) had hypertension, of whom 421 (41.7%) were aware, and 389 (38.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 221 (56.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 21.9% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Oman identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These findings highlight persistent gaps in the awareness, identification, and management of hypertension across Oman. The MMM campaigns emphasise the need for broader community screening, targeted educational initiatives, and system-level strategies to improve hypertension control and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Vietnam in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at multiple sites across various provinces and cities throughout Vietnam. Three seated BP readings were taken from 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, 10,944 adults were screened, with a mean age of 53.5 years and 52.3% were female. Of all participants, 4,905 (44.8%) had hypertension, of whom 3,673 (74.9%) were aware, and 3,584 (73.1%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1,925 (53.7%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 39.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Vietnam identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened national strategies to improve hypertension screening, treatment accessibility, and long-term blood pressure control.