| Evolving epidemiology of NAFLD in South Korea: incidence, prevalence, progression, and healthcare implications from 2010 to 2022 |
Jae Woo Park1, Jeong-Ju Yoo1, Dong Hyeon Lee2, Young Chang3, Hoongil Jo4, Young Youn Cho5, Sangheun Lee6, Log Young Kim7
, Jae Young Jang3
, and the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver |
1Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
2Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
3Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
4Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
5Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
6Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
7Department of Big DATA Strategy, National Health Insurance Service, Wonju, Korea |
Corresponding Author:
Log Young Kim , Tel: +82-33-736-2403, Fax: +82-33-749-6338, Email: kimlog2@naver.com
Jae Young Jang , Tel: +82-2-709-4209, Fax: +82-2-709-9065, Email: jyjang@schmc.ac.kr
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Received: May 7, 2024; Revised: June 13, 2024; Accepted: July 3, 2024. |
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| Abstract |
Background/Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now the most common chronic liver worldwide, has become a significant public health concern. This study aims to analyze the evolving epidemiology of NAFLD in South Korea.
Methods: We utilized claim data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2010 to 2022 to analyze NAFLD’s incidence, prevalence, and progression.
Results: From 2010 to 2022, the incidence and prevalence rates of NAFLD each increased from 1.87% to 4.47% and from 10.49% to 17.13%, respectively. The differences in prevalence rates between urban and rural areas were minimal in 2012 and 2022, yet both areas showed significant increases in the prevalence of NAFLD over the decade. The NAFLD group had a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to the control group, and the most common comorbid condition was hypertension. Moreover, the ten-year incidence rates of malignancy, heart disease, and stroke in the NAFLD group were 13.42%, 15.72%, and 8.36%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group. The incidence rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in NAFLD over 10 years were 2.22% and 0.77%, respectively. The total medical costs of NAFLD patients more than doubled over ten years and were all significantly higher than those of the control group.
Conclusions: A significant increase in NAFLD prevalence and its impact on healthcare utilization was observed in South Korea. With NAFLD leading to serious liver diseases and increased healthcare costs, integrated care strategies that include both medical treatment and lifestyle modifications are essential. |
| Keywords:
Gender ; Smoking ; Alcoholic liver disease ; Epidemiology |
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