Level of knowledge and attitude on prevention of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among at-risk individuals

Abstract

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a rapidly emerging public health concern among individuals with risk factors. Understanding the level of knowledge and attitude toward NAFLD prevention will help identify gaps that need to be addressed through health education and preventive strategies. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude on prevention of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among at-risk individuals. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and attitude on prevention of NAFLD among at-risk individuals, to associate the level of knowledge and attitude on prevention of NAFLD among at- risk individuals with selected demographic and clinical variables, to correlate between the knowledge and attitude on prevention of NAFLD among at-risk individuals. Methodology: A descriptive-cross sectional study was carried out among 80 participants with risk for NAFLD from JMMC & RI, Thrissur. Participants were selected using non- probability convenient sampling technique based on the inclusion criteria: with risk factors such a Type 2 DM, Dyslipidaemia, Obesity, Hypertension, etc. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire comprising three sections: socio-demographic and clinical profile, self-developed knowledge questionnaire to assess the knowledge and self-structured attitude scale to assess the attitude towards NAFLD. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the knowledge and attitude levels and inferential statistics were applied to explore associations between knowledge, attitude, and demographic variables. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between knowledge and attitude scores. Results: The socio-demographic data reveals that, 52(65%) belongs to more than 50 years, 47(58.8%) were male and 33(41.3%) were females, 47(58.8%) were Hindus. Majority 49(61.3%) completed high school education,21(26.3%) was with no formal education and 10(12.5%) are graduates. Majority 36(45%) are working in the sector which needs physical activities. The clinical profile reveals 11(13.75%) had a family history of liver disease, 41(51.25%) have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, 39(48.75%) have Hypertension, 20(25%) have High cholesterol, 29(36.25%) have cardiac diseases, 48(60%) rarely engage in physical activity. Regarding the level of knowledge 63(78.8%) had moderate knowledge, 9(11.3%) had high knowledge, and 8(10%) had low knowledge regarding NAFLD prevention. Regarding the level of attitude,77(96.3%) demonstrated a highly positive attitude towards preventive behaviours, while 3(3.7%) had a moderately positive attitude. Positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (p<0.01), indicating that individuals with better knowledge exhibited a more favourable attitude toward NAFLD prevention. No significant association (p>0.05) found between the level of knowledge and attitude with socio-demographic and clinical variables. Conclusion: This study has assessed the level of knowledge and attitude on preventive strategies of NAFLD and found that majority of the participants have moderate knowledge and most of the participants have highly positive attitude towards the prevention of NAFLD. These findings reflect the need for health education programs, screening, particularly for high-risk groups, could be instrumental in mitigating the disease burden.