Validation of adherence prediction system for lifestyle interventions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

This editorial delves into the research article by Zeng et al published in the latest issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology. The manuscript contributes significantly to addressing the global health issue of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by introducing and validating the Exercise and Diet Adherence Scale (EDAS). The article effectively conveys the importance of the study, highlighting the prevalence of NAFLD, the lack of approved drugs for its treatment, and the crucial role of lifestyle correction. The use of the Delphi method for scale deve-lopment and the subsequent evaluation of its reliability add scientific rigor to the methodology. The results demonstrate that the scale is correlated with key lifestyle indicators, which makes it a promising tool for assessing patient adherence to interventions. The identification of specific score thresholds for predicting adherence to daily calorie intake and exercise adds practical value to the scale. The differentiation among scores indicative of good, average, and poor adherence enhances its clinical applicability. In conclusion, the manuscript introduces EDAS, a valuable instrument that can contribute substantially to the field of NAFLD research and clinical practice.

Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Lifestyle interventions; Adherence assessment; Exercise and Diet Adherence Scale; Delphi method

Core Tip: The study introduces the Exercise and Diet Adherence Scale (EDAS), a robust tool for assessing patient adherence to lifestyle interventions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Developed using the Delphi method, the EDAS consists of 33 items across six dimensions, offering a comprehensive evaluation. Results indicate its significant correlation with key lifestyle indicators, allowing for precise differentiation of adherence levels. Clinically relevant thresholds make the EDAS a practical and valuable instrument for identifying patients with poor adherence. This contribution holds promise for advancing NAFLD research and enhancing clinical interventions through a targeted focus on lifestyle adherence assessment.