Questionnaire for risk factors of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objectives: Non-communicable diseases are estimated to account for 90 % of total deaths and 19 % of premature deaths in Slovakia. Major preventable risk factors of premature mortality are overweight, obesity and alcohol consumption.

Background: Screening of risk factors related to alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (AFLD and NAFLD, respectively) in Slovak outpatients with liver disease.

Methods: A total group of 923 patients, aged 19-91 years were included in the study. Self-administered anonymous questionnaires (Q) were filled in by them. Twelve questions were included relating to age, gender, education, BMI, intake of vegetable, fruit, fish, alcohol, and coffee, as well as to smoking and physical exercise.

Results: Overweight/obesity was detected in 59 % of patients, insufficient fiber intake in 87 % of patients, insufficient fish intake in 85 % of patients, and insufficient physical exercise in 68 % of patients. BMI over 25 together with the risk of alcohol consumption was present in 68 % of patients. Smoking was present in 19 % of patients and insufficient coffee intake (from its hepatoprotective point of view) was in 35 % of patients. A total proportion of 75 % of patients were at risk for NAFLD. The risk of alcohol consumption was present in 64 % of patients.

Conclusions: An anonymous questionnaire is a useful screening tool for searching for the risks of NAFLD and AFLD in general practice. Recommendation of a screening schedule for general practitioners is implemented (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 36).