School-Based Screening Detected Undiagnosed Hypertension
Novel program enabled large-scale blood pressure screening and identified elevated readings in community setting.
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By
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Andrea Surnit
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May 12, 2026
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Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based screening initiative for identifying undiagnosed hypertension in a community setting.
Key Findings:
- 21% of participants (n = 2,306) had elevated blood pressure.
- 1,194 participants were newly detected with hypertension.
- Student measurements showed excellent agreement with healthcare professionals.
Interpretation:
Student-led screenings can effectively expand hypertension detection in community settings while ensuring reliable measurements.
Limitations:
- Implementation design lacked a comparison group.
- Setting in parent-teacher meetings may limit generalizability.
- Long-term outcomes like blood pressure control and treatment adherence were not assessed.
Conclusion:
Empowering students as change agents can enhance community awareness and promote preventive health behaviors.
