Tackling NAFLD: TN health dept launches study on fatty liver disease in tribal communities

In a first of its kind, the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University has started a pilot study to assess the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease called NAFLD, among the tribal population in Tamil Nadu. The study which has begun as a pilot project in collaboration with the health department has been initiated in the Jawadhu Hills region of Tiruvannamalai district.

The study aims to screen 50,000 people and identify high-risk individuals by checking for abdominal obesity, family history of diabetes and hypertension. Around 500 tribals have been screened and 120 blood samples have been analysed, so far. 

The pilot study among the tribals aims to assess the prevalence of NAFLD. The preliminary findings have revealed that 10 to 14 per cent fall under the high-risk or the FIB-4 category for liver fibrosis. Those who have been identified under the high-risk category will now undergo a fibro scan to confirm the extent of fibrosis. The medical camps organised in the areas will identify the individuals through initial screenings and those who require further assessment are being referred to primary health centres.

Titled as Community Screening Programme for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the pilot study will evaluate the feasibility, scalability and sustainability of interventions to reduce fatty liver disease in tribal areas. 

India is one of the countries where liver disease is a cause of death. At least one-fourth of the population is obese and is at risk of fatty liver. A recent study revealed that close to eight per cent of the rural population in Tamil Nadu have abnormal liver function tests and one per cent have cirrhosis. 

What is NAFLD? 

NAFLD is caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver in individuals with little or no alcohol consumption. The union health ministry has included MASLD in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases emphasising early screening, lifestyle changes and health system integration.

“We want to focus on tribal populations and see whether they are at high risk for MASLD. Later, the study will be extended to rural and urban regions of Tiruvannamalai,” says Dr K. Narayanasamy, vice-chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University and principal investigator of the study.

Health