ABSTRACT
Background: Generally, 15% to 40% of the world populations are suffering from non-alcoholicfatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The aim of this study was to conduct an epidemiological evaluation of NAFLD and its related factors in the west of Iran
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for 12 months, from July 2013 to July 2014, in Sanandaj city, Kurdistan province. In this study, multistage cluster sampling method was used. The general characteristics of the subjects including their age, sex, body mass index, history of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease were recorded. All the subjects underwent abdominal ultrasonography. Besides, patients with fatty liver underwent blood tests [lipid profile,liver function test, fasting blood sugar,hepatitis B virus antigen, and hepatitis C virus antibody]. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression test
Results: A total of 410 patients were included in the study; of whom 145 [35%] had NAFLD. The prevalence of fatty liver in men [43%] was twice more than that in women [22%]. The severity of fatty liver disease increased with increasing blood sugar [OR = 3.214, 95% CI: 1.357, 7.612], triglycerides, and total cholesterol [OR = 2.897, 95% CI: 1.245, 6.736]
Conclusion: Findings of this study show that, the prevalence of NAFLD in the west of Iranis similar to the highest rates reported from other countries and the prevalence was much higher than other Asian countries. It is recommended to implement fast and effective interventions to control fatty liver disease