Key result
Opportunistic BP screening identifies 12% hypertension prevalence with poor awareness and control.
Why the study?
The May Measurement Month campaign was conducted in Ghana to raise awareness of raised blood pressure.
Cross-Sectional (n=4,203)
Yes
An opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Ghana identified a 12.0% prevalence of hypertension, highlighting significant gaps in awareness and control.
Highlights untreated hypertension burden in Ghana; leaves open whether screening improves control or outcomes.
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Ghana in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling in the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. 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. In total, 4,203 were screened, with a mean age of 33.6 years and 29.0% were female. Of all participants, 506 (12.0%) had hypertension, of whom 73 (14.4%) were aware, and 69 (13.6%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 26 (37.7%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 5.1% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Ghana identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. It is significant to note that the annual BP screening campaign is a means to create awareness of the need to get screened and also identify individuals with high BP.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Owusu-Ansah et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=4,203). Opportunistic blood pressure screening was evaluated on Hypertension prevalence. Opportunistic blood pressure screening of 4,203 adults in Ghana identified a 12.0% prevalence of hypertension, of whom only 14.4% were aware and 5.1% had controlled blood pressure.