Objective: Limited real-world evidence exists to better understand the patient experience of living with symptoms and impacts of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to (1) describe patient-reported perspectives of NASH symptoms and impacts on patients' daily lives and (2) develop a patient-centered conceptual NASH model.
Methods: A cross-sectional study using semi-structured qualitative interviews was conducted among adults (≥18 years) in the United States living with NASH. Eligible participants were diagnosed with NASH, had mild to advanced fibrosis (F1-F3), and no other causes of liver disease. The interview guide was informed by a targeted literature review (TLR) to identify clinical signs, symptoms, impacts, and unmet treatment needs of NASH. Participants described their experiences and perspectives around NASH and the symptoms, symptom severity/bother, and impact of NASH on their daily activities. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for coding and thematic analysis.
Results: Twenty participants (age: 42.4 years; female: 50.0%) were interviewed. Participants discussed their experience with NASH symptoms (most frequent: fatigue [75.0%]; weakness/lethargy [70.0%]) and impacts (most frequent: physical and psychological/emotional [70.0% each]; dietary [68.4%]). Participants considered most symptoms to be moderately severe or severe and moderately or highly bothersome. Findings from the TLR and qualitative interviews were incorporated into a conceptual model that describes patient-reported symptoms and impacts of NASH, clinical signs, risk factors, and unmet treatment needs.
Conclusion: Our study provides insights into patients' perspectives of NASH symptoms and their impact on their daily lives. These findings may guide patient-physician conversations, supporting patient-centered treatment decisions and disease management.
Keywords: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; conceptual model; metabolic comorbidity; qualitative study.
Study findings help to address the gap in current literature about patients’ perspectives on NASH and its symptoms as well as its impact on daily life.The study proposes a holistic conceptual model that describes patients’ perspectives of living with NASH, including symptoms and their impact, the clinical signs and risk factors of NASH, and the unmet treatment needs of the disease.Healthcare providers can use study findings to inform patient-focused decisions around treatment strategies for NASH.