Association between socioeconomic factors and the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3320Keywords:
Metabolic disease, Hepatology, Risk factorsAbstract
Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver associated with cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. It is a silent condition with high global prevalence and may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Socioeconomic factors, such as income, education level, and place of residence, may influence lifestyle habits and access to healthcare, impacting the occurrence and severity of the disease.Objective: To analyze the association between socioeconomic factors and the prevalence/severity of MASLD in patients undergoing abdominal ultrasound in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study with a quantitative approach, conducted in a private ultrasound referral clinic. The sample consisted of 100 individuals aged between 18 and 65 years. Demographic variables (sex, age, race/ethnicity) and socioeconomic variables (education level, income, type and area of residence, and Brazil Economic Classification Criterion) were evaluated. Diagnosis and grading of hepatic steatosis were performed through abdominal ultrasound. Statistical association tests were applied, considering a significance level of 5%.Results: The mean age was 42.3 years, with predominance of females (66%). Regarding steatosis grade, 51% had no disease, 27% had grade 1, 6% grade 2, and 16% grade 3. There was a significant association between older age and higher steatosis grade (p<0.001). An association was also observed between individual income and disease severity (p=0.041), with a higher frequency of grade 3 among individuals earning 1 to 3 minimum wages. Regarding place of residence, individuals with grade 2 disease predominantly lived in rural areas (p=0.011). No significant association was found with sex, race/ethnicity, or Brazil Economic Classification Criterion.Conclusion: MASLD showed a significant relationship with socioeconomic determinants, especially older age, lower income, and residence in rural areas. These findings reinforce the need for public health policies aimed at reducing social inequalities, promoting healthy habits, and expanding early diagnosis among vulnerable populations.
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