Awareness About Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) In Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract - Background: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a global health burden. It is responsible for nearly all liver diseases. Appropriate, coherent prevention and control strategies depend mainly on real community needs. Aim: To evaluate community knowledge about NAFLD in the Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia, as the first step in its prevention and control strategies. Method: The study is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that enrolled 305 participants who answered an online questionnaire about NAFL. Results: A great percentage did not hear about NAFL (278,91%), whether it runs in families or not (226,74%), age group at high risk (210,66%), risk factors (162,53%), stages (223,73%), symptom (146,48%), complications (162,53%) or if it is life-threatening or not (119,39%). Regarding its relationship with chronic diseases, >50% of participants agreed that low blood pressure is not a risk factor (171,56%), and diabetes has a relation with NAFLD (183,60%). More than half participants agreed that eating habits may prevent NAFL, NAFL can be diagnosed by blood tests, BMI, and imaging, and laparoscopy is the standard treatment. Conclusion: There is a diminished awareness of NAFL regarding its risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications, and treatment among the population in the Al-jouf region. Health education programs are recommended.