Knowledge and awareness level of risk factors, symptoms, and complications about MASLD among the population in Al-Baha city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming a serious concern for global health, especially in areas where the prevalence of metabolic disorders is increasing. Knowledge and awareness about MASLD are still inadequate, which may act as a barrier to its early detection and prevention. The aim of the current study is to determine knowledge and awareness about MASLD among the population of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 444 participants recruited via convenience sampling through an online self-administered structured Arabic questionnaire. Data collected included awareness of MASLD, knowledge of its causes, symptoms, stages, and treatments. Awareness and knowledge levels were classified as low, moderate, or high. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v 26. The chi-squared test was used to assess associations between demographic variables and knowledge levels, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 38.1% of the participants had heard of MASLD, while 50.9% were unaware of the disease. Despite 56.3% of the participants being aware of the harmfulness of MASLD, 51.6% of them were uncertain about its life-threatening potential. Significant gaps were identified in the participants’ knowledge regarding the etiology, prognosis, and management of the disease, where 68.7% of the participants were unaware of the standard management of the disease. Most of the participants had low awareness of the disease, accounting for 44.6%, while 46.4% had low knowledge of the disease. Only gender had a significant association with the level of knowledge, where males had low knowledge compared to females (p = 0.003).. Conclusion: There are significant gaps in knowledge and awareness regarding MASLD among the population of Al-Baha. These findings confirm the critical need for health campaigns to increase awareness and knowledge about the disease and its risks. Educational programs should focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment to control MASLD among the population.