Survey of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Knowledge, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Patterns Among the General Public in Beijing, China

Abstract

Despite high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in China, understanding of the disease appears to be low. We assessed the knowledge of NAFLD among the public in Beijing, China, as well as diet and physical activity patterns, which may provide information useful for NAFLD prevention and management. We surveyed adult patients and family members in the Peking University Health Science Center (PUHSC) ultrasound clinic and office staff in Beijing, China. Participants provided demographic and medical history data. NAFLD-related knowledge and diet and physical activity were assessed. A total of 1296 participants at the PUHSC clinic (51% female, median age 35, 61% college-educated) and 494 participants in offices (61% female, median age 43, 74% college-educated) completed the survey. Response rate was 68.4% and 96.7%, respectively. In clinic and offices, 44% versus 48% were overweight/obese, 5% had a history of diabetes in both groups, and 14% versus 23% had a personal history of NAFLD. Median knowledge score was 15 out of 25 in clinic versus 16 in offices. 44.9% reported minimal physical activity. Factors associated with higher NAFLD knowledge scores (> 16) on multivariate analysis included college education or higher (OR 1.7, p = 0.01), family history of hyperlipidemia (OR 1.96, p < 0.001), and number of sugary drinks per week (OR 0.74, p = 0.006). No factors were significantly associated with physical activity levels. Adults in Beijing had low knowledge about NAFLD, and most were not physically active. Programs to increase public awareness of NAFLD and promote physical activity are critical to curb this growing epidemic.