JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Globally, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common lifestyle-related disease. Lifestyle interventions focusing on healthy eating habits, physical exercise, and reducing body weight in case of obesity are the primary recommended therapies to reverse or improve MASLD. However, patients often experience difficulties in complying with the required lifestyle changes for several reasons, including a lack of knowledge. Healthcare professionals express limited time during consultations as one of the barriers to discuss lifestyle behavior change. A potential solution to eliminate these barriers and improve the provision of information to MASLD patients is the use of eHealth.

Objective:

This study aims to explore MASLD patients’ information needs and deficits on a variety of disease-related topics, and their preferences regarding a future eHealth intervention.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional survey study, patients with MASLD were recruited via two Dutch patient organizations. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographics, information provision and needs, and preferences regarding an eHealth intervention. Data were reported using descriptive statistics. Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to identify differences in outcomes between subgroups.

Results:

The questionnaire was filled out by 449 respondents (81% female, mean age 56 ± 11 years). Fewer than 20% of them indicated that they had received sufficient information on a broad range of disease-related topics. About 72 - 90% of respondents indicated they would like to receive additional information. Respondents who did not know their severity of disease stage reported a significantly higher need for information on general topics, compared to respondents who reported their stage of disease (p-values ranging from < 0.01 to 0.03). Respondents with (self-reported) MASH were more interested in contact with fellow patients than respondents with an early or unknown stage of disease (p < 0.01). Regarding a future eHealth intervention, respondents were most interested in receiving MASLD-related information, practical examples, and references to relevant websites or apps. Respondents were least interested in contact, collaboration, or competition with other app users.

Conclusions:

The vast majority of respondents reported a high rate of information deficits on a broad range of MASLD-related topics and expressed a strong need for additional information. Obtained insights into information needs and preferences regarding eHealth can be used to develop an eHealth intervention for MASLD patients.