BP was measured using electronic equipment (Omron HEM-7130-HP, Omron, Kyoto, Japan). Three measurements were taken from the participants at 3 min intervals while they were seated after 15 min of rest, and the average of the last two readings was recorded. Weight was measured while the participants were barefoot and wearing light clothing using an electronic scale (Omron HBF-223-G, Omron). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) were measured using point-of-care testing device (Cobas b 101, Roche Diagnostics K.K., Tokyo, Japan). Other variables used in the analysis included sociodemographic characteristics, food security using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale,14 medical history and current medications, psychological distress using the Kessler-6 scale15 (link) and lifestyle-related variables (tobacco, alcohol, physical activity and dietary habits). The results of the measurements were explained by local nurses and given to each participant. Those who had extremely abnormal results were encouraged to visit the nearest health facilities with the reports.