AWARENESS OF PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS REGARDING METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE (MASLD)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-7684/2025-4-26Keywords:
general practitioners – family doctors; metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; level of awarenessAbstract
Introduction. Considering the high likelihood of hepatic and extrahepatic complications in individuals with metabolic dysfunction- associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), as well as the elevated cardiovascular risk in these patients, a comprehensive approach to the prevention of such conditions and the mitigation of comorbidities is essential. General practitioners (GPs) – family doctors play a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of this approach. Purpose of the work: to determine the level of awareness among general practitioners – family doctors regarding the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, possible adverse outcomes, and complications of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Materials and methods. To achieve this objective, a survey of 136 general practitioners (family doctors) was conducted using a specially developed questionnaire. Confidentiality of respondents’ data was ensured throughout the study. The obtained results were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and statistically analyzed. The following methods were used: bibliosemantic, sociological, medical-statistical, and structural-logical analysis. Results. The obtained data indicate a sufficiently high level of general awareness among general practitioners, specifically family doctors, regarding the existence of MASLD; however, practical competence in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment remains low. Conclusions. To enhance the preparedness of general practitioners – family doctors to ensure that clinical practice aligns with the MASLD-2024 recommendations, promote early detection of liver steatosis, and reduce the burden of metabolic diseases in Ukraine, it is necessary to develop targeted educational programs to support their postgraduate professional training in these areas.
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