The outcome of health belief model-based dietary counselling in metabolic‑associated fatty liver disease patients

Kora, Hend Abdel Hamid; Dorgham, Laila Sh.; Alwarraky, Mohamed Shawky; Elbahr, Osama; El-Abd, Mona Gamal; Atia, Alia Atef Fathalla; Moaz, Inas

doi:10.21608/aimj.2025.446451

The outcome of health belief model-based dietary counselling in metabolic‑associated fatty liver disease patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

² Interventional Radiology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

³ Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

⁴ Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

⁵ Therapeutic Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

10.21608/aimj.2025.446451

Abstract

Background: Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) prevalence is among the highest in Egypt, with over one-third of the population affected, compared to a global prevalence of approximately 25 percent. Changing lifestyle is proven to be the most beneficial treatment for this disease.
Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a month-long intervention program for HBM model-based dietary counseling for patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was applied for this study. A suitable sample of 61 MAFLD patients who agreed to join the study was utilized. The study variables were four sectioned questionnaires, namely (demographic, adherence to dietary recommendations, knowledge, and health beliefs), anthropometric measurements, liver enzymes, lipid profile, and fatty liver grades. All study variables were assessed and gathered both before and after the four-month intervention.
Results: After four months of intervention, significant improvements in health belief model (HBM) variables and knowledge were seen (p < 0.0001). Additionally, significant reductions in anthropometric measurements, liver enzymes, and lipid profiles were observed. Likewise, fatty liver index and ultrasonographic findings revealed a significant improvement.
Conclusions: The application of dietary counseling based on the health belief model can greatly enhance MAFLD patients’ health beliefs and knowledge, resulting in preventing or even reversing MAFLD progression.

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