Cross‐sectional study on stigma and motivation to adhere to lifestyle modification among vulnerable populations with fatty liver disease

Objectives Adherence to lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, and alcohol cessation) for fatty liver disease (FLD) management remains challenging. The study examined stigma, barriers, factors associated with motivation adhere in a diverse vulnerable population FLD. Methods From 2/19/2020 2/28/2022, 249 FLD patients within San Francisco safety-net hepatology clinics were surveyed along clinical data taken from medical records. Multivariable modeling assessed cross-sectional study. Results Median age was 53 years, 59% female, Hispanic, 25% Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% White, 2% Black, 79% non-English speakers, 64% had ≤ high school education, 82% reported <$30,000 annual income. Common comorbidities included hyperlipidemia (47%), hypertension (42%), diabetes (39%), heavy use (22%). Majority (78%) experiencing 41% extreme motivation, 58% ≥ two barriers. When controlling age, sex, Hispanic ethnicity, consumption, BMI, >high (coef 1.41, 95% CI 0.34–2.48), stigma 0.34, 0.07–0.62), depression −1.52, -2.79 −0.26) motivation. Conclusions Stigma is commonly among patients. Interventions enhance patient education mental health support are critical management, especially populations.