The Silent Pandemic: Investigating the Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Low-Income Urban Communities

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Published: Jun 14, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70945/bjfn.2025.v02i02.036
Keywords:
NAFLD, Low-Income Population, Urban Health, Obesity, Bangladesh, Cross-Sectional Study

Main Article Content

Sohail Moslem
Resident Medical Officer, Department of Neurology, Evercare Hospital, Dhaka
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1606-9852
Mahmudul Hasan Topu
Research Assistant, Department of Public Health, North-South University, Dhaka
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7007-7588
Md Kamrul Hasan
Lecturer, Forensic Medicine, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong
Afsana Binte Zaman Asha
MSc Student, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0691-2429
Kumar Sajeeb
Honorary Medical Officer (FCPS part-2 Trainee, Surgery), Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
Razib Rayhan
Medical Officer, Pathology Lab, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital, Dhaka

Abstract

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a significant public health concern globally, especially in urban low-income populations due to lifestyle and metabolic risk factors. Despite its silent progression, awareness and early detection remain low in Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NAFLD and its associated sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical factors among low-income urban workers in Dhaka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025 among 200 purposively selected indoor and outdoor patients (100 males and 100 females) of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease from the Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College. Data were collected through interviews, physical examinations, and biochemical tests. NAFLD was diagnosed via abdominal ultrasonography. Results: The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 52.0%, higher among males (58.0%) than females (46.0%). Most participants were aged 31–45 years (42.0%), and 24.0% had no formal education. Obesity (20.0%), overweight (44.0%), and elevated waist circumference (57.0%) were common. Hypertension and diabetes were present in 46.0% and 38.0%, respectively. Biochemical abnormalities included elevated triglycerides (57.0%), ALT (49.0%), and low HDL (46.0%). Awareness was poor—only 13.0% had heard of NAFLD, and 33.0% were aware that obesity affects liver health. Conclusion: NAFLD is highly prevalent among low-income urban workers in Dhaka, linked with obesity, poor physical activity, and metabolic disorders. Low awareness highlights the need for community-level interventions and early screening programs.

Article Details

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Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Apr-Jun
Section
Original Research Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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