Prevalencia de esteatosis hepática no alcohólica y su relación con la obesidad en docentes de la Universidad Técnica de Machala,2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption, and has been strongly associated with overweight and obesity. In Ecuador, the prevalence of these conditions among university professors is concerning, as occupational factors and sedentary lifestyles place them at risk. This problem affects liver health and can progress to serious conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and its relationship with obesity and overweight in teachers at the Faculty of Chemical and Health Sciences of the Technical University of Machala during the period 2024-1, through anthropometric indicators and liver predictive scores. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-experimental design and a retrospective approach. The census sample included 112 teachers, using data obtained from institutional medical records. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR), and liver risk was estimated using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) scores. Statistical analysis was performed using Python and SPSS, applying correlation tests and descriptive measures. Results: 39.28% of teachers were overweight and 36.60% were obese according to BMI, while WHR showed 27.67% overweight and 51.78% obese, with the latter being more sensitive in identifying central adiposity. The HSI proved to be the most effective score for estimating liver risk, and a significant correlation was found between obesity and the presence of NAFLD (p < 0.001). In addition, GGT, TGO, TGP, and triglyceride values were found to be higher in those with a higher degree of obesity. Conclusions: A high prevalence of NAFLD was identified in overweight teachers, reinforcing the need for preventive strategies focused on weight control and periodic evaluation of liver function. The use of the HSI, together with the WHI, is recommended as a clinical screening tool in resource-limited settings due to its high sensitivity and ease of application.