Affiliations 

  • 1 MBBS, MMed (Family Medicine), Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2 MBBS, Dr Fam Med, MAFP, FRACGP, Cheras Baru Health Clinic, Jalan 16, Kampung Cheras Baru, Off Jalan Kuari, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3 MBBS, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Universiti Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 4 MBBS FRCP FAFPM, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 5 Jalan Universiti Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
PMID: 38111833 DOI: 10.51866/oa.3l4

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The overall prevalence of hypertension is high, and many people are unaware of their condition. Screening campaigns can effectively identify this group of patients. The study aimed to determine the cost of manpower for a health campaign for detecting undiagnosed hypertension and the prevalence of hypertension.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two health centres. Sociodemographic characteristics, hypertension and treatment statuses were recorded. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by either doctors or nurses using automated BP machines. The cost of manpower was calculated as the average salaries of manpower during the 3-day health campaign divided by the total number of days. The final sum was the cost of detecting undiagnosed hypertension.

RESULTS: A total of 2009 participants median age = 50 (IQR = 18-91) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 41.4% (n=832). Among the patients with hypertension, 49.2% (n=409) were unaware of their hypertension status. Conversely, 21.1% (n=423) were known to have hypertension, among whom 97.4% (n=412) were on medications. Among those who were on medications, 49% (n=202) had good BP control. The average total cost of manpower during the 3-day health campaign was RM 5019.80 (USD 1059). The cost of detecting an individual with elevated BP was RM 12.27 (USD 2.59).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension and unawareness is high. However, the average cost of manpower to detect an individual with elevated BP is low. Therefore, regular public health campaigns aiming to detect undiagnosed hypertension are recommended.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.