Background Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (SLD) emphasizes that metabolic dysfunction is a key driver of hepatic steatosis. Although menopause is characterized by substantial hormonal and metabolic shifts, population-based evidence on its association with the probability of SLD under the updated diagnostic framework remains limited. Therefore, this study investigated the association between menopausal status and probability of SLD in middle-aged Korean women.
Methods We analyzed data of 15,106 women aged 40 to 59 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2023). The probability of SLD was assessed using the hepatic steatosis index (≥36) in the presence of at least one metabolic abnormality. Menopausal status was self-reported. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was performed after adjusting for age, body mass index, waist circumference, and major metabolic risk factors. Effect modification was evaluated through subgroup analysis.
Results Among the 15,106 women, 31.5% were postmenopausal and 22.1% met the criteria for SLD probability. Post-menopausal women exhibited higher metabolic risk profiles and a higher probability of SLD than premenopausal women. Menopausal status remained independently associated with SLD probability after multivariable adjustment (adjusted odds ratios, 1.22; P=0.035). The association varied by age; it was strongest among women aged 40 to 49 years and progressively attenuated in older age groups (P for interaction=0.001).
Conclusion Menopausal status is independently associated with a higher probability of SLD among middle-aged Korean women, an association most pronounced in the early midlife. These findings highlight the importance of proactive metabolic screening and timely intervention during this critical period.
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Background Compared with other chronic diseases, hearing loss is generally overlooked from the perspective of disease burden. However, hearing loss is emerging as an important issue in the current society. The objective of this study was to investigate disease burdens and marginal utilities associated with hearing loss and other chronic diseases.
Methods This study analyzed the cross-sectional data of 32,986 participants aged 19 years and older who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 2009 and 2013. Additionally, this study used the pure tone audiometric test, European Quality of Life-Five Dimensions Questionnaire, and chronic disease status. The data were analyzed using a multiple linear regression method.
Results The data of 23,297 people who underwent a pure tone audiogram and completed the European Quality of Life-Five Dimensions Questionnaire were used in this analysis. The marginal utility of hearing loss ranked fifth among nine chronic diseases. The estimated loss of quality-adjusted life years associated with hearing loss was -93.69 years per 100,000 people, which is similar to other chronic diseases.
Conclusion This study assessed the marginal utilities and public burdens of hearing loss and eight chronic diseases in a South Korean population. Although the values may vary depending on country and race, this study may provide an indispensable foundation for more detailed studies on hearing loss.
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The Impact of Hearing Loss and Its Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life Utility: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis Ethan D. Borre, Kamaria Kaalund, Nicholas Frisco, Gloria Zhang, Austin Ayer, Margot Kelly-Hedrick, Shelby D. Reed, Susan D. Emmett, Howard Francis, Debara L. Tucci, Blake S. Wilson, Andrzej S. Kosinski, Osondu Ogbuoji, Gillian D. Sanders Schmidler Journal of General Internal Medicine.2023; 38(2): 456. CrossRef
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