Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): assessing the knowledge and practice of primary care doctors in Seremban District, Negeri Sembilan

Kalaivaani Vijan; Athirah Ali; Nur Adhajirin Mohamed Idrus; Priscilla Lourdesamy; Shamini Margammuthu; Suguna Perumal; Cheong Lieng Teng; Imran Ahmad

doi:10.51866/oa.629

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): assessing the knowledge and practice of primary care doctors in Seremban District, Negeri Sembilan

Malays Fam Physician. 2024 Aug 16:19:51. doi: 10.51866/oa.629. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Kalaivaani Vijan¹, Athirah Ali², Nur Adhajirin Mohamed Idrus³, Priscilla Lourdesamy⁴, Shamini Margammuthu⁵, Suguna Perumal⁶, Cheong Lieng Teng⁷, Imran Ahmad⁸

Affiliations

¹ MBBS, icFRACGP, Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Pilah Jalan Macpherson, Kampung Tebat Kening, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Email: [email protected].
² MD, icFRACGP, Klinik Kesihatan Salak, Jalan Salak, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
³ MD, Klinik Kesihatan Mantin, Jalan Besar Mantin, Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
⁴ MBBS, Klinik Kesihatan Sikamat, Jalan Tunku Kurshiah Atas, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
⁵ MD, Klinik Kesihatan Jelebu, Kuala Klawang, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
⁶ Klinik Kesihatan Port Dickson, Jalan Seremban Kampung Dhobi, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
⁷ MBBS, M. Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit, Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
⁸ MBBS, M. Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus, Kesihatan, Jalan Raja Perempuan, Zainab 2, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome, which is commonly seen in primary care settings. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of primary care physicians regarding MAFLD in Seremban District, Negeri Sembilan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical officers in 14 health clinics in Seremban District, using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire.

Results: A total of 240 medical officers from 14 health clinics in Seremban District, participated in this study. Most participants (85.4%) passed the knowledge test. Their practice was acceptable, but only a minority were familiar with non-invasive testing of liver fibrosis (e.g. APRI or FIB-4), medication and specific diet for the treatment of MAFLD.

Conclusion: Most primary care physicians in Seremban District are knowledgeable in identifying risk factors and managing patients with MAFLD. However, there are still areas to improve in terms of management, particularly regarding the use of silymarin, vitamin E and pioglitazone.

Keywords: Fatty liver; Malaysia; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Primary care physician.