Why Patients with Fatty Liver Disease Don’t Act on What They Know

People with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) often know they should change their habits to improve their health. But why don't they always follow through? To find out, researchers used the Health Belief Model and talked to patients about what holds them back. MAFLD patients face a gap between what they know and what they do. This study aimed to understand why this happens. The Health Belief Model was used as a guide, focusing on factors like perceived severity of the disease, benefits of action, barriers, and self-efficacy. Interviews with patients revealed that while they understood the importance of healthy habits, everyday obstacles often stopped them from making changes. For example, some found it hard to switch to a healthier diet due to lack of time or limited access to nutritious food. Others struggled with exercise routines because of physical discomfort or busy schedules. An important aspect highlighted was self-efficacy. This is the belief in one's ability to perform a behavior. Many patients had low self-efficacy when it came to making lifestyle changes. They felt they might fail or didn't have the confidence to stick to new habits. Cultural and social factors also played a role. Some patients' families or communities didn't support healthy lifestyle changes. This lack of support made it even harder for them to stay committed. The study concluded that addressing these barriers requires more than just educating patients. It also involves creating an environment that supports and encourages healthy habits. This could include easier access to nutritious food, help with exercise plans tailored to individual needs, and community support systems.