Abstract
Background of study: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD; formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) is a condition estimated to affect approximately one-fourth of the global population, representing a significant public health burden. This nomenclature shift reflects a redefinition emphasizing metabolic dysfunction as a key diagnostic criterion, moving away from exclusionary terms such as ‘nonalcoholic’ This growing burden is alarming, particularly as MAFLD progression can result in severe complications such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cardiovascular diseases.6 Globally, pooled prevalence rates for MAFLD are reported as 38.8%.7 Within China, a systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of MAFLD to be 29.81% (27.78–31.93%), with projections suggesting that approximately 314.58 million individuals will be diagnosed with MAFLD by 2030.8 The estimated prevalence of NAFLD in the adult general population ranges between 15% and 30%. The prevalence of NAFLD appears to increase with age, especially through the fourth to sixth decade of life. In two large studies, based on cohorts of the Dallas Heart Study and Framingham Heart Study, participants with fatty liver were significantly older than participants without fatty liver. However, these studies only included a small number of participants older than 65 years. Prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD may vary in the elderly, as a result of metabolic changes at old age, including fat redistribution, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The association of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance with NAFLD has been extensively investigated in adult subjects These metabolic traits are now well recognized risk factors for NAFLD. However, fewer data are available concerning the association of NAFLD with some environmental traits, including physical activity and smoking. Regarding the latter, studies have yielded contradictory results. Objectives1) To assess the knowledge regarding fatty liver and its prevention among elder people attending Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni (Bk). 2) To find out the association between knowledge regarding fatty liver and its prevention with selected demographic variables. Material and methods: Research Design: For the present study, a descriptive research design was adopted to assess the knowledge regarding fatty liver and its prevention among elder people attending Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni.
Setting of the Study: The study was conducted at Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, where elderly individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for participation.
Sample: The samples were elderly people (60 years and above) attending Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, who met the inclusion criteria. The sample size for the study was 60 elderly people.
Sampling Technique: A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants.
Tools of Data Collection: The tool consisted of two parts: Part I: Socio-demographic variables of elderly people including age, gender, religion, education, occupation, family type, and previous knowledge about fatty liver.
Part II: A structured knowledge questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding fatty liver and its prevention. Each correct response was given a score of “1” and incorrect response was given “0”.
Reliability: The validity and reliability of the tool were established through content validation by experts and appropriate statistical methods to ensure the accuracy of data collection.
Data Collection Procedure: The data collection was carried out after obtaining necessary permissions from the concerned authorities. The purpose and nature of the study were explained to all participants, and written informed consent was obtained. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the structured tool in the local language. The period of data collection extended over a few weeks.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee of SSEVP College of Nursing, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (DU), Loni. Written informed consent was taken from all participants, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation throughout the study.
Results: The data collected from 60 elderly participants attending Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, were analyzed and the findings are presented under three main sections. First, the demographic distribution of respondents is described.