PREVALENCE OF FATTY LIVER DETECTED BY ULTRASOUND AMONG OBESE ADULTS IN MINGORA, SWAT DISTRICT

Abstract

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver disorders worldwide and is strongly associated with obesity. Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle, and high-calorie dietary patterns in regions such as Mingora, Swat have contributed to an increasing burden of obesity-related liver disease. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent progression to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective imaging modality for detecting hepatic steatosis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) aged 20–60 years. Sample size was calculated using a standard prevalence formula and increased to 200 to compensate for non-response. Participants were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling. Ultrasound examination graded fatty liver as Grade 0–3. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Independent t-test and chi-square tests were applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Fatty liver was detected in 73% of participants. Moderate fatty liver (Grade 2) was most common (30%). BMI was significantly associated with fatty liver (t = 4.21, p < 0.001). Gender was not significantly associated (χ² = 3.11, p = 0.078).

Conclusion: Obesity is strongly associated with fatty liver in adults of Mingora, Swat. Ultrasound is an effective screening tool and should be incorporated into routine clinical evaluation of obese patients.