Knowledge-Attitude-Practices of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Indian Patients with metabolic disorders: A Multi-centric Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease. Despite the increasing incidence of NAFLD, its diagnosis rate is extremely low. Patients at increased risk for NAFLD are usually those with at least one metabolic disease like, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, or polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Few regional studies have found a need to improve the understanding of NAFLD and its associated burden. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding NAFLD among Indian patients with metabolic diseases. Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational, multicentric study conducted among 100 patients having at least one metabolic disease presenting to the outpatient departments of general physicians, diabetologists, and endocrinologists of a tier-1 city in western India. Information regarding demographic details, clinical profile, and a structured pre-validated questionnaire comprising 25 questions in three sections: questions to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice of NAFLD, was recorded in the Case Record Forms and included in this analysis. The total KAP score was derived, and subjects were classified as having low (0-7), average (8-14) or high score (15-22). Result: In terms of knowledge, almost half (52%) were knowledgeable, 41% had a good attitude, and 52% had a good practice score. Conclusion: This study concluded that the participants had a significant amount of knowledge and a positive attitude toward NAFLD, but practice must be developed.