Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, cilt.31, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the awareness levels and factors affecting it, along with prevalent misconceptions about Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD) among participants with high-risk indicators.MethodsA questionnaire with open-ended questions was utilized. Participants were recruited from two general internal medicine outpatient clinics, focusing on those with high-risk indicators for SLD. Data collection involved a questionnaire covering demographic information, self-reported clinical conditions, and open-ended questions about SLD awareness. Key focus areas included misconceptions, thematic awareness, and the relationship between awareness and educational attainment.ResultsThe study involved 228 participants, predominantly female (70.4%), with an average age of 53.8 years. Only 33.7% showed a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of SLD. However, 90.4% provided some accurate information, though often limited or incomplete. Higher education and awareness of SLD risks were key predictors of better understanding. The logistic regression model, with an accuracy of 0.76 and recall of 0.84, found higher education inversely related to low awareness. Common misconceptions highlighted included the belief that polypharmacy or certain medications cause SLD, fatigue as an effect, and increased water intake as a treatment. Notably, seven patients mentioned artichoke consumption as a potential treatment.ConclusionThe findings highlight the gap between comprehensive and partial awareness of SLD among high-risk individuals. Educational level and informed understanding of SLD risks are crucial for improving awareness, emphasizing the need for specialized educational efforts and risk communication to high-risk patients. Our study investigated how well people at high risk for fatty liver understand this condition. We performed a questionnaire with open-ended questions to assess their knowledge about fatty liver disease's causes, effects, and treatments. Many participants held misconceptions about fatty liver disease, such as believing that overmedication causes the disease and that increased water intake can cure it. Notably, some thought that herbal remedies, like artichokes, were effective treatments, a belief likely influenced by cultural myths and natural treatment promotions. While only about a third (33.7%) of participants fully understood fatty liver disease, most (90.4%) had some correct, but incomplete, information. Awareness was particularly low regarding how fatty liver disease affects the liver. Education level and prior knowledge of fatty liver disease risk significantly influenced understanding. This study is important for guiding public health strategies and education campaigns, especially targeting those with less education. Correcting misconceptions, such as the belief in herbal treatments, is crucial for effective disease management. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to educate high-risk individuals to improve fatty liver disease management and treatment.