ASPO Abstracts
Community Outreach and Engagement for Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment in Southern Arizona
Category: Early Detection & Risk Prediction
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To assess awareness of liver disease in Southern Arizona and the presence of liver steatosis and fibrosis using community outreach and engagement strategies. Methods: To be eligible for this ongoing study, individuals must be ≥18 years of age. Pregnant women and those with any implantable electronic device are not eligible due to contraindications for the liver disease screening method. Recruitment efforts occur face to face, primarily in community-based settings such as the Tanque Verde Swap Meet (an outdoor market) and Consulates of Mexico. Content messaging strategies (e.g. posters) specific to liver health and non-invasive transient elastography (Fibroscan®) are utilized onsite. The Fibroscan® is performed by trained staff and it estimates continuous attenuation parameter (CAP) scores ranging from 100-400 dB/m; higher values indicate higher levels of steatosis. Liver stiffness estimates are also obtained and range from 1.5 kPa-75kPa; higher values indicate more severe fibrosis. Participants receive results and a referral is made to a clinical partner for follow-up if severe steatosis or fibrosis is identified. A validated self-reported questionnaire was adapted in order to assess knowledge and public awareness of liver disease and liver cancer risk. Results: Since October 2021, we attended three community-based events. A total of 67 participants (mean age: 48.7 ± 13.0 years; mean BMI: 28.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2; 69% female; 100% Hispanic) have been screened and their knowledge of risk for liver disease and liver cancer assessed. Mean CAP was 256.91 ± 43.9, indicative of fatty liver disease. Mean kPa was 5.31 ± 1.86, indicative of no/mild liver scarring. Nearly 79% reported hearing about fatty liver disease before, primarily from a doctor or media source. Obesity, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol were reported as the top three conditions that can cause fatty liver. A majority or participants (88%) reported that fatty liver disease was preventable; however, 36% did not know if treatment was available.Conclusion: Screening for liver disease in community-based settings appears to be feasible. While knowledge of liver disease is high, efforts to educate communities about available prevention and treatment options, including lifestyle programs, are needed.
Keywords: Community outreach, liver disease