Proportion of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Factors among Sedentary Workers of a Tertiary Care Centre: Camp-Based Findings
NAFLD among Sedentary Workers
Keywords:
NAFLD, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis (NASH), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 DM), India, ScreeningAbstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging public health concern, particularly among sedentary workers. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of NAFLD and associated risk factors among sedentary employees of a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional screening camp was conducted for sedentary workers at a tertiary care institute in North India. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was used to assess fibrosis, and the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was used for steatosis. Data on sociodemographics, lifestyle, and comorbidities were collected by a self-designed questionnaire filled by the investigator. All participants were on fasting before testing.
Results: Among 211 participants (83.4% male; mean age 34.5 ± 7.11 years) out of 405 invited, advanced fibrosis (F3–F4) was detected in 10.4%, while severe steatosis (S3) was present in 26.5%. Steatosis grade showed significant associations with age group (p < 0.001) and gender (p = 0.020). Fibrosis stage was not significantly associated with age, gender, diet, alcohol use, or tobacco use. CAP-based steatosis grades were significantly associated with LSM-based fibrosis stages (p = 0.006). There were no missing data for any variable.
Conclusions: A substantial burden of NAFLD-related fibrosis and steatosis was detected among sedentary workers. Workplace-based screening and lifestyle interventions are recommended.
Keywords: NAFLD, sedentary workers, fibrosis, steatosis, screening, India
List of Abbreviations
- CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter
- LSM: Liver Stiffness Measurement
- NAFLD: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- NASH: Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
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