Surveying the Features of Screening Strategies for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Scoping Review Publisher



Mir N ; Baradaran HR ; Tabaeian SP ; Gallehzan NA ; Rezapour A
Source: Journal of Education and Health Promotion Published:2026

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, affecting about one-quarter of the general population worldwide. Owing to the prevalence and high burden of NAFLD in special groups, this study aimed to examine the features of screening strategies for NAFLD in special populations. We carried out a scoping review using the main online databases (Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science) with the following keywords: Screening, Nonalcoholic fatty liver, willingness to pay, economic evaluation, and preferences. We included publications from January 1, 2000, to August 27, 2024, which focused on NAFLD screening strategies in special populations. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the QADAS checklist. The AUC ranged from 0.5 to 93.30, the maximum value corresponding to the WC test in the MAFLD population. The highest sensitivity and specificity were related to the BMI test (96.89) and the BRI test in the T2DM MAFLD population. The cutoff value ranged from -1.44 to 876.17, the highest value about the TYG-WC test in obese individuals without T2DM. Additionally, the highest PLR and PPV were related to NAFLD-MS in the high-risk MetS population. The highest AUROC was observed for the SHSI test in the obese population. FLI, TYG-WC, TYG-BM, and BMI were among the best NAFLD screening tests in different populations. NAFLD-LFS, NHTR, and LAPI tests were found to be the best and most applicable tests in special populations. © 2026 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.