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Low Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Awareness and Missed Screening Opportunities: Results
Damien Leith1, Paul N Brennan1, Ruairi W Lynch1
1Faculty of Health, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom; NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Background & Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects over 30% of adults but remains under-recognized. Guidelines recommend screening in high-risk groups; however, MASLD awareness among patients and health care practitioners (HCPs) remains poor, with gaps in knowledge and implementation persisting. We undertook 2 national surveys to quantify MASLD awareness and knowledge gaps and explore screening practices among HCPs.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study comprised 2 online surveys of the general population in Scotland and United Kingdom HCPs (primary and secondary care). Surveys assessed recognition of MASLD and associated conditions, factors influencing awareness (including inequalities), and HCP screening practices.
Results:
In the population survey (n = 2114), 71% of respondents were aware of 'fatty liver disease,' compared with 5% for MASLD, and 38% for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (P < .001). Respondents at higher risk of MASLD, aged less than 60 years, with higher educational attainment, and of female sex, were more likely to be "aware" (all P < .01). Most population respondents (98%) reacted positively to wanting a MASLD diagnosis if present. Among HCPs (n = 158), the awareness of fatty liver disease (100%) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (98%) was significantly higher than that of MASLD (57%; P < .001). Only 44% of HCPs reported screening any patients for MASLD. Barriers cited included a lack of familiarity with guidelines, limited access to recommended screening tools, and unclear specialist referral pathways.
Conclusions:
Improved awareness and guideline adoption are imperative to facilitate earlier MASLD diagnosis and intervention. Our findings suggest targeted education for awareness and equitable public health strategies are still needed to address knowledge and management gaps in the United Kingdom among both the general population and HCPs.
