Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among health check-up attendees: A retrospective study conducted in Vietnam.

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a recently proposed term that highlights the role of metabolic dysfunction in hepatic steatosis. It currently affects more than one-third of adults worldwide and is associated with liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Given its high prevalence, asymptomatic progression, and revised definition, evaluating its epidemiology and risk profile remains an important public health priority.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of MAFLD among Vietnamese individuals undergoing health check-ups.

Methods: This retrospective study included 331 adults undergoing routine health check-ups at The Health Evaluation and Promotion Center, International University of Health and Welfare Center, Cho Ray Hospital, from June to October 2023. MAFLD was diagnosed based on the 2020 international expert consensus. Data collected included demographic, clinical, laboratory information, and metabolic risk factors from routine health check-up records. Descriptive statistics, χ ² tests, and t-tests/Mann-Whitney tests were applied as appropriate. Significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results: MAFLD was identified in 97 of 331 individuals (29.31%). Prevalence was significantly higher in men than women (44.51% vs 14.37%; P < 0.001). In females, prevalence increased sharply after age 50 (P = 0.008). According to body mass index groups, prevalence was 0% (underweight), 9.27% (normal), and 48.26% (overweight/obese). The MAFLD group had significantly higher rates of hypertension (19.59% vs 2.99%), dyslipidemia (98.96% vs 89.32%), prediabetes/diabetes (65.98% vs 28.20%), hyperuricemia (64.95% vs 31.19%), and metabolic syndrome (54.64% vs 7.69%) compared to the non-MAFLD group (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion: MAFLD is prevalent in Vietnamese adults undergoing health screening. It is strongly associated with sex, age, body mass index, and metabolic disorders, indicating the importance of early detection and integrated management.