ADIPOSE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing awareness of fatty liver disease among people in Scotland: a cross-sectional survey study
IRAS ID
333685
Contact name
John Dillon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] (also known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease [MASLD]) is a condition in which individuals with metabolic syndrome accumulate excess fat in their livers. In a small number of people with the condition, NAFLD/MASLD can result in liver cirrhosis (scarring) or liver cancer. Treatments for NAFLD/MASLD currently rely on it's early detection and lifestyle/ medication interventions to address risk factors such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes [T2D]. As rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome rise, NAFLD/MASLD poses an increasingly significant public health threat, described as "a looming public health tsunami". However, it has been shown in people from the USA, China and elsewhere that individuals at risk of NAFLD/MASLD are not aware of the condition and it's risks, making early detection and effective lifestyle/medical intervention a challenge. We currently have no data on the extent of NAFLD/MASLD awareness in Scotland or the UK more broadly.
The ADIPOSE study will survey people across Scotland to assess their awareness and knowledge of NAFLD/MASLD. We will survey those with risk factors for NAFLD/MASLD (T2D and cardiovascular disease [CVD]), as well as the general population. We will identify those with risk factors and members of the general population from throughout Scotland via The Scottish Health Research Register & Biobank [SHARE] platform. The SHARE team will contact people via email who have previously agreed to take part in research. The email will contain study information and a link to the ADIPOSE survey - including a consent form and questions about study participants awareness and understanding of NAFLD/MASLD.
ADIPOSE will help underpin future public health planning and relevant health interventions. Without understanding current awareness of NAFLD/MASLD, attempts to increase awareness and introduce effective preventative strategies (essential in the absence of medications to treat NAFLD/MASLD directly) will be less effective for people at risk.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
24/NS/0029
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion