Awareness of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Jordanian parents of overweight and obese children

Abstract

Background

Obesity is considered a key risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is now clear that NAFLD is the main contributor to chronic liver disease in children globally, affecting about 40–50 percent of obese children. This study aimed to assess NAFLD awareness among parents of high risk overweight & obese children.

Methods

This study was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive survey based on a questionnaire that was completed by 425 parents accompanying their child at outpatient nutrition clinics for excessive body weight nutritional management.

Results

Among respondents, 58.1 % recorded knowledge score < 6 indicating poor knowledge level. NAFLD knowledge score was significantly higher in participants with higher educational levels, higher income level and participants working in the medical field.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a relatively low awareness level of NAFLD among parents of overweight and obese children which highlights the importance of developing effective awareness programs by health authorities.