Knowledge about metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease among the medical professionals from countries in the MENA region

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Given the substantial burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), there is an urgent need to assess knowledge and awareness levels among physicians. We assessed MASLD knowledge among healthcare providers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye. Materials and Methods: Two global surveys containing 54-59 items assessed awareness and knowledge of MASLD/NAFLD- one was for hepatologists and gastroenterologists, and the second was for non-specialists (e. g. endocrinologists, primary care providers [PCPs], and other healthcare professionals). Data were collected using an electronic data collection form. Knowledge scores and variables associated with higher knowledge scores were compared across all specialties. Results: A total of 584 physicians completed the survey (126 hepatologists, 178 gastroenterologists (GEs), 38 endocrinologists, 242 PCPs/others). Practice guidelines were the primary source for knowledge across all specialties (43-51%), then conferences (24-31%) except PCPs/others who selected the internet as the second common source (25%). Adherence to societal guidelines varied by specialty (81-84% of specialists vs 38-51% of non-specialists). Hepatologists and GEs showed similar mean knowledge scores (51-72% correct answers across three knowledge domains, p > 0.05); endocrinologists outperformed PCPs/others in knowledge scores in all knowledge domains, including Epidemiology/Pathogenesis (72% vs. 60%), Diagnostics (73% vs. 67%), and Treatment (78% vs. 67%) (all p < 0.01). Hospital-based practice and seeing a greater number of patients with MASLD/NAFLD were identified as independent predictors of higher knowledge scores among specialists (both p < 0.05). Conclusions: A knowledge gap in the identification, diagnosis, and management of MASLD/NAFLD was found despite the growing burden of MASLD/NAFLD in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye. Education to increase awareness is needed.