Two cross-sectional online surveys assessed MASLD awareness and knowledge gaps in the general Scottish population (n=2,114) and UK healthcare practitioners (HCPs; n=158) across primary and secondary care, including HCP screening practices and barriers.
Only 5% of the public recognised the term 'MASLD' vs. 71% for 'fatty liver disease' and 38% for 'NAFLD' (p<0.001). Among HCPs, MASLD awareness was 57% vs. 98% for NAFLD (p<0.001), and only 44% reported screening any patients for MASLD. Key barriers included poor guideline familiarity, limited access to screening tools, and unclear referral pathways.
Population survey was limited to Scotland, potentially limiting generalisability to the wider UK. Both surveys were online and self-reported, introducing selection and recall bias. HCP sample (n=158) is relatively small and may not be representative of all UK practitioners.
Clinicians should not assume patients or colleagues are familiar with the MASLD label — targeted education and clearer referral pathways are urgently needed. Proactive screening in high-risk groups remains inconsistent and should be standardised, as nearly all patients (98%) expressed willingness to receive a diagnosis.
