SHEAR Zim study reaches 750 participant milestone

The Significance of Hypertension in Early Adulthood Research in Zimbabwe (SHEAR Zim) study has reached an exciting milestone, with 750 of its planned 1,000 participants now enrolled—just one year after recruitment began on 24 February 2025.

So far, participants have come from Budiriro, Mufakose, and Highfields. The strong support of these communities, together with the work of community health workers, has been key to the study’s progress. Each participant takes part in a detailed health check focused on heart and blood pressure health. Early analysis of the data has already begun.

The study is helping researchers understand how blood pressure in young adults may affect long-term health, including the heart, kidneys, and eyes. Some participants are also helping researchers learn more about how daily activity and air quality may influence blood pressure and overall health. This will provide a clearer picture of how lifestyle and environment affect young people in Zimbabwe. Following successful community engagement activities in February, recruitment has now expanded to Hopley, where participation is growing steadily. SHEAR Zim is not only generating important local health information but also helping to build research skills within Zimbabwe.

As the study moves closer to its goal of 1,000 participants, the team looks forward to sharing findings that could help improve how high blood pressure is prevented and managed in young adults. The team extends sincere thanks to all the communities, participants, and partners who continue to support this important work