European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: NAFLD has become one of the most common health concern Worldwide. Not only the urban population but also the rural population are being commonly diagnosed with NAFLD. Obesity and diabetes are the major risk factors for NAFLD. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD and its associated risk factors in rural population of Vikarabad District, other than obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study on apparently healthy subjects over 18 years and up to 65 years of age. The participants were interviewed for baseline demographic and clinical information. They were subsequently referred for physical examination. NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography by a single expert radiologist.
Results: Of 906 screened subjects, 300 subjects were non obese, BMI (body mass index) <27 kg/m² (According to Joslin Asian American Diabetes Initiative (AADI) BMI criteria for obesity) and non diabetic. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 18.66% in our study. NAFLD was seen in 25.4% of population who were overweight (BMI 23 – 26.9 kg/m²) and only in 4.1% of population with normal weight (BMI 18 – 22.9 kg/m²). The prevalence of NAFLD was 82.1% in subjects with hypertension (BP > 140/90 mm of Hg) and 17.9% in subjects with normal blood pressure. NAFLD prevalence was 67.8% in age group > 45 – 65 years and it was 32.1% in the age group of 18 – 45 years (all P < 0.01).
Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD in non obese and non diabetic subjects in a sample of Indian rural population is 18.66%. BMI of 23 – 26.9 kg/m²,  hypertension and increasing age are independent risk factors associated with NAFLD in non obese and non diabetic subjects in our study.