Factors Influencing Knowledge-Action Gap in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Qualitative Study

Objective

To explore the knowledge-action gap regarding health behaviors and their influencing factors among patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework.

Design

A qualitative approach was adopted, involving semistructured interviews with individuals with MAFLD.

Setting

Participants were recruited from a community hospital and a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China, between July and October 2022.

Participants

A purposive sample of 21 adults with MAFLD, who were primarily overweight or obese (86%), males (52%), and aged ≥ 60 years (52%).

Phenomenon of Interest

This study focused on the knowledge-action gap in health behaviors among MAFLD patients.

Analysis

Data were analyzed using content analysis, with the Health Belief Model guiding the identification of themes and categorization of specific domains.

Results

This study found that perceptions of disease susceptibility and severity, perceived barriers to healthy lifestyles, and various modifying factors impeded the adoption of healthy behaviors. In contrast, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy facilitated the implementation of these behaviors.

Conclusions and Implications

This research highlights the factors contributing to the knowledge-action gap in health behaviors among MAFLD patients. The findings suggest potential targets for interventions aimed at enhancing the alignment between patients’ knowledge and their actions, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.