Perception of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Real-Life Experience From Pakistan

Abstract

Background and aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic syndrome, an overall prevalence of 47% was found in a previous study from Pakistan, however there is no community based study from Pakistan about perception and awareness of NAFLD in patients who are actually suffering from it. Here we aim to explore the awareness and perceptions of patients with NAFLD Method: A Cross-sectional study was undertaken at the Department of Gastroenterology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients>18 years, with a suspected diagnosis of NAFLD were included. Patients with, hepatitis, hepatic malignancies, hepato-biliary infections, and biliary tract disease were excluded from the study. Perceptions of NAFLD were assessed using a self-administered survey questionnaire. Result(s): A total of 162 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 39.60 +/- 9.74 years. One hundred & eight (67%) belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Out of which 41 (25%) were male and 121 (75%) were female. Forty-two patients (26%) knew about their disease while only 26 (16%) knew what fatty liver is. The majority 100 (62%) considered themselves overweight while 113 (70%) were called upon by others as overweight. Almost half of the population 82 (51%) thought of the weight as having edema and most of them 127 (78%) felt they need to lose weight. Around 108 (67%) believed they exercise enough while 90 (56%) considered it as the chores of the house. 82 (51%) of them believed that they overeat while 70 (43%) thought that they eat inappropriate food. Moreover, only 23 (14%) knew about the co-morbids of NAFLD. When inquired about alternative medications, 40 (25%) were taking it while 32 (20%) considered those harmful. Conclusion(s): According to our results, the majority of subjects had no idea about NAFLD. Enhanced public education is warranted to improve understanding and knowledge about common disorders, especially in our country. Moreover, further exploration into the awareness and attitudes of NAFLD is needed to develop strategies for combating this disease.