Insights from the 2023 May measurement month campaign in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

May measurement month (MMM) is a global blood pressure (BP) screening campaign that aims to emphasize the importance of BP measurement and identify those who require intervention/follow-up for elevated BP. The objective of this regional analysis in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada, was to examine the proportion of individuals screened with elevated BP, including those with and without a history of hypertension (HTN). This cross-sectional study was completed in accordance with the global MMM protocol. All consenting adults ≥18 years old were eligible to take part. Data collection took place in 28 community pharmacies across the province of NL. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and associations between elevated BP and covariates of interest were determined using logistic regression. A total of 384 participants took part in this study, with a mean age of 54.4 years (standard deviation 18.2); 66.1% (n = 254) of participants were female and 41.4% (n = 159) had known HTN. A complete set of 3 BP readings were recorded for a total of 375 participants and therefore, these participants were included in the analysis. Elevated BP was observed in 21.9% (n = 82) of participants, including 13.5% of those who had no history of HTN (i.e., 30 of 222). Known HTN and diabetes were statistically significant predictors of elevated BP in the multivariate regression model. Regional implementation of the MMM campaign in NL helped to identify a relatively large proportion of individuals with elevated BP, including those with no history of HTN. Targeted measures are needed to achieve BP targets among individuals with hypertension and diabetes in the province.

Keywords: Canada; May measurement month; Newfoundland and Labrador; hypertension; mass screening.