Prevalence and risk factors of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Bangladesh

Background and Aim Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant cause of hepatic dysfunction and liver‐related mortality. As there is a lack of population‐based prevalence data in a representative sample of general population, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in Bangladesh. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted both in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh from December 2015 to January 2017. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire followed by ultrasonography of hepatobiliary system for screening of NAFLD. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the risk factors of NAFLD. Results A total of 2782 (1694 men and 1088 women) participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 34.21 (±12.66) years. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 33.86% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.12, 35.64). Females living in the rural areas and midlife adults (45–54 years) had the highest prevalence of NAFLD (P