Support needs and coping strategies in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a multidisciplinary approach to potential unmet challenges beyond pharmacological treatment
Authors
Shea, SueLionis, Christos
Atkinson, Lou
Kite, Chris
Lagojda, Lukasz
Chaggar, Surinderjeet S.
Kyrou, Ioannis
Randeva, Harpal S.
Issue Date
2022-12-23
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequently occurring chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25–30% of the adult general population worldwide. NAFLD reflects excess hepatic accumulation of fat in the absence of increased alcohol intake, and, due to its close association with obesity, is frequently referred to as the ‘hepatic manifestation’ of metabolic syndrome. Indeed, a high percentage of individuals with NAFLD present with a combination of the cardio-metabolic comorbidities that are associated with the metabolic syndrome. In addition to its well-established link with the metabolic syndrome and increased risk for cardiovascular disease, NAFLD has also been associated with certain mental health issues (e.g., depression and stress). Although this link is now being increasingly recognized, there are still unmet needs regarding the holistic management of patients with NAFLD, which could further contribute to feelings of social isolation and loneliness. The latter conditions are also increasingly reported to pose a substantial risk to overall health and quality of life. To date, there is limited research that has explored these issues among patients with NAFLD, despite existing data which indicate that perceived loneliness and isolation may pose an additional health risk. Notably, many features associated with NAFLD have been related to these concepts, such as perceived stigma, fatigue, stress, and confusion regarding this diagnosis. As such, this review aimed to assess such potential problems faced by patients with NAFLD, and to explore the possibility of unmet support needs which could lead to perceived social isolation. Moreover, the importance of a compassionate approach towards such patients is discussed, together with potential coping strategies. Future research directions and the need for a multidisciplinary approach are also highlighted.Citation
Shea S, Lionis C, Atkinson L, Kite C, Lagojda L, Chaggar SS, Kyrou I, Randeva HS (2022) Support needs and coping strategies in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a multidisciplinary approach to potential unmet challenges beyond pharmacological treatment. Livers, 3(1), pp. 1-20.Publisher
MDPIJournal
LiversAdditional Links
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4389/3/1/1Type
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
© 2022 The Authors. Published by MDPI. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.3390/livers3010001ISSN
2673-4389EISSN
2673-4389ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.3390/livers3010001
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/