RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE AND THE IMPACT OF PATIENT AWARENESS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major global health problem associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and lifestyle-related risk factors associated with CLD and evaluate the importance of patient awareness in disease prevention. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (October 2025–March 2026) among 181 patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Tirupati. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, patient interviews, and case record reviews. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, lifestyle habits, laboratory parameters, and medical history were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Most participants were males (81%) aged 31–45 years (47%). Alcohol consumption (70%), tobacco use (32%), low physical activity (48%), and mixed dietary habits (96%) were common lifestyle risk factors. Diabetes mellitus (27.6%) and hypertension (26.5%) were the predominant comorbidities. Abdominal pain (79%), abdominal swelling (64.6%), and fatigue (54.7%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations. Elevated bilirubin, SGOT, and alkaline phosphatase levels indicated significant hepatic dysfunction. Significant associations were observed between alcohol consumption and hepatitis status, SGPT, and SGOT levels, while age was significantly associated with comorbidities and smoking with symptom severity ( p < 0.05). Patient education regarding lifestyle modification and disease prevention was provided following data collection. In conclusion, Early identification of high-risk individuals, routine screening, and targeted patient awareness programs are essential to reduce disease progression and improve clinical outcomes