Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mainland of <scp>C</scp>hina: A meta‐analysis of published studies

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is becoming an increasingly important health issue. However, there are no data on the change in prevalence of NAFLD within a population over time, especially in the mainland of C hina. The goal of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of NAFLD in the mainland of C hina. Methods Systematic literature searches were conducted in P ub M ed, W eb of K nowledge, C hinese W eb of K nowledge, W angfang, W eipu, and S ino M ed databases, as well as relevant articles published from 1997 to 2013, reporting prevalence estimates of NAFLD in the mainland of C hina. Summary estimates of prevalence were calculated with a random effects model. The effects of research methodology on the prevalence estimates were assessed using a meta‐regression model. Results Forty‐eight studies were identified with of a total of 356 367 subjects. The overall pooled prevalence of NAFLD was 20.09% (17.95–22.31%). Subgroup analyses showed the following results: male: 24.81% (21.88–27.87%), female: 13.16% (11.33–15.11%), for 18–30: 9.22% (6.93–11.81%), for 40: 16.77% (13.22–20.66%), for 50: 23.50% (19.57–27.66%), for 60: 26.89% (21.11–33.09%), for urban: 21.83% (18.00–25.92%), for rural: 20.43% (8.01–36.74%); study years in 2000–2006: 18.22% (14.32–22.48%), 20.00% (16.84–23.36%) for 2007–2009, and 18.93% (15.41–22.72%) for 2010–2013. Conclusions The prevalence of NAFLD is lower than the estimates from developed countries. But it still reaches the epidemic proportions, and its prevalence is increasing. Meanwhile, a nationwide prevalence investigation should be conducted to confirm the estimates and determine more accurate rates for specific populations.

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Affiliated Institutions

• Central South University CN

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