Awareness of adult population toward non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a medical condition which is commonly termed as fatty liver. NAFLD can start from mild (grade 1) stage and may progress toward severe (grade 3) disease stage. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of the adult population toward NAFLD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to explore the relationship between the level of awareness and different socio-demographic factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted via an online pre-tested self-administered questionnaire on adult males and females in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from March to August 2020. A total of 400 participants were included. Results: Out of the total, 240 (60%) participants were considered as aware about NAFLD. The mean score of the participant’s awareness was 26.8 ± 9.3 out of 36 points. No significant difference was observed between nationality and level of awareness (p = 1.00). On the contrary, there were significant differences between gender, age, level of education, and occupation in relation to the level of awareness (p = 0.00). The present results showed that a higher level of awareness was associated with male gender, bachelor degree holders, and employed participants. Also, the level of awareness improved with increasing age. Conclusion: There was sufficient awareness among the adult population toward NAFLD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.