May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Albania

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Albania 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 36 sites across all districts of Albania. 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 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, 14,869 were screened, with a mean age of 49.0 years and 61.8% of whom were female. Of all participants, 5818 (39.1%) had hypertension, of whom 3689 (63.4%) were aware, and 3640 (62.6%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1621 (44.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 27.9% had controlled BP. Mean systolic BP was significantly higher among participants with no formal education. Furthermore, mean systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher among tobacco smokers, individuals who consumed alcohol, and participants with sedentary behaviour. The MMM campaign in Albania identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These findings indicate a serious public health gap in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control across Albania, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened screening programs and improved management strategies.