FRI036 Trends In The Racial And Ethnic Disparity Of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): Data From NHANES 1988 To 2018

Disclosure: M. Shaheen: None. K. Schrode: None. D. Pan: None. S.M. Najjar: None. T.C. Friedman: None. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease is a serious and important problem and it affects Hispanics at a higher prevalence compared to Blacks and Whites. This disparity is an important public health concern. The purpose of this study was to examine the trend in the racial/ethnic disparity of MAFLD among a representative sample of the U.S. adult population from 1988 to 2018. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1988 to 2018 were analyzed. The total sample size was 32,726. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed using the U.S. fatty liver index (US-FLI). MAFLD was diagnosed among those with both HS and overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, and/or metabolic syndrome. We analyzed the data using logistic regression to test for trends over time for the overall sample and for each racial/ethnic group considering the design and sample weights. Prevalence was age-adjusted using the direct method and the census data published by the census bureau. We also estimated the percent change in the prevalence using the formula [(2018 prevalence – 1988 prevalence)/1988 prevalence)*100]. Overall, the age-adjusted prevalence of MAFLD increased over time from 16% in 1988 to 37% in 2018 for 131% percent increase (p<0.05) while the age-adjusted rate of obesity increased from 23% in 1988 to 40% in 2018 for 74% increase (p<0.05). Among Mexican Americans, the age-adjusted prevalence was higher at all times compared to the overall population and there was a significant increase in the age-adjusted prevalence of MAFLD over time (36% in 1988 to 58% in 2018 for a 61% increase) (p<0.05). Among Blacks, a significant increase in the age adjusted prevalence of MAFLD was found (11% in 1988 to 25% in 2018 for a 56% increase) (p<0.05). We also found a significant increase in the age-adjusted prevalence of MAFLD among the White population (15% in 1988 to 35% in 2018 for a 133% increase) (p<0.05). Our study indicated that there is an increase in the age-adjusted prevalence of MAFLD over time that was greater than the increase in obesity. The racial/ethnic disparity in MAFLD persisted over time with Mexican Americans consistently having the highest prevalence that was highest in 2018. Grants: R01MD012579, R24DA017298, U54MD007598, S21MD000103, UL1TR001881 Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023