Volume 12, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
J Prevent Med 2025, 12(3): 339-350 |
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Farjam M, Yari A, Jafari N. Strategies to reduce the burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in southern Iran: A policy brief. J Prevent Med 2025; 12 (3) :339-350
URL: http://jpm.hums.ac.ir/article-1-874-en.html
URL: http://jpm.hums.ac.ir/article-1-874-en.html
1- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
2- School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
2- School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
Abstract: (1060 Views)
Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide and an emerging public health challenge in Iran. This policy brief aimed to assess the current status of NAFLD in southern Iran and propose evidence-based strategies to reduce its burden.
Methods: This policy brief was developed based on secondary evidence derived from the Fasa Adults Cohort Study (FACS), a component of the national PERSIAN Cohort Study. Published data related to NAFLD prevalence, metabolic risk factors, dietary inflammatory index, lifestyle factors, and cardiovascular outcomes were reviewed. NAFLD was assessed using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and liver ultrasonography. Evidence was synthesized to identify feasible, cost-effective, and locally appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and integrated disease management.
Findings: The prevalence of NAFLD among adults in Fasa was estimated to range from 26.9% to 33.6% based on FLI and up to 52.9% based on ultrasonography. NAFLD was significantly associated with central obesity, elevated triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, and low physical activity. A higher dietary inflammatory index increased the risk of NAFLD by approximately 25%, whereas some anti-inflammatory dietary components, particularly low-fat milk, showed protective effects. In addition, NAFLD was associated with prolonged corrected QT interval, suggesting an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Conclusion: Implementing preventive strategies focused on lifestyle modification, healthy nutrition, early screening using cost-effective tools such as FLI, and integration of liver and cardiovascular care may substantially reduce the burden of NAFLD and its related complications in southern Iran. Population-based interventions and evidence-informed policy actions are essential for controlling this growing non-communicable disease.
Methods: This policy brief was developed based on secondary evidence derived from the Fasa Adults Cohort Study (FACS), a component of the national PERSIAN Cohort Study. Published data related to NAFLD prevalence, metabolic risk factors, dietary inflammatory index, lifestyle factors, and cardiovascular outcomes were reviewed. NAFLD was assessed using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and liver ultrasonography. Evidence was synthesized to identify feasible, cost-effective, and locally appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and integrated disease management.
Findings: The prevalence of NAFLD among adults in Fasa was estimated to range from 26.9% to 33.6% based on FLI and up to 52.9% based on ultrasonography. NAFLD was significantly associated with central obesity, elevated triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, and low physical activity. A higher dietary inflammatory index increased the risk of NAFLD by approximately 25%, whereas some anti-inflammatory dietary components, particularly low-fat milk, showed protective effects. In addition, NAFLD was associated with prolonged corrected QT interval, suggesting an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Conclusion: Implementing preventive strategies focused on lifestyle modification, healthy nutrition, early screening using cost-effective tools such as FLI, and integration of liver and cardiovascular care may substantially reduce the burden of NAFLD and its related complications in southern Iran. Population-based interventions and evidence-informed policy actions are essential for controlling this growing non-communicable disease.
Type of Study: Political report |
Subject:
general Hygiene
Received: 2025/10/4 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2026/08/11
Received: 2025/10/4 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2026/08/11
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