Correlation between Component Factors of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome in Nurses: An Observational and Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome in nurses. Questionnaires were used to eliminate individuals with a daily drinking habit, hepatitis B or C, or incomplete data. A total of 706 valid samples were obtained. The prevalence of NAFLD among nurses was 36.8%. Nurses with a greater age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16), obese BMI (OR = 23.30, 95% CI: 8.88-61.10), overweight BMI (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.15-7.04), waist circumference exceeding the standard (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.14-3.87), fasting blood glucose 100-125 mg/dL (OR = 4.09, 95% CI: 1.19-14.03), and overly low HDL-C (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.05-3.85) were at greater risk of NAFLD. Furthermore, male nurses (OR = 6.42, 95% CI: 1.07-38.70), nurses with triglycerides over 150 mg/dL (OR = 4.80; 95% CI: 1.05-21.95), and nurses with HDL-C lower than the standard (OR = 5.63, 95% CI: 1.35-23.49) were at greater risk of moderate/severe NAFLD. Among younger nurses, those of greater age, male nurses, obese and overweight nurses, and those with a waist circumference exceeding the standard, 100-125 mg/dL, overly low HDL-C, and triglycerides over 150 mg/dL should consider the possibility that they have NAFLD.