Objective:To evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) of the monks living in Bangkok particularly in Dusit and Nong Chok districts

Materials and Methods: Medical illness was assessed by self-administered questionnaire, physical examination and biochemical blood test. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and was defined when there was abnormal transaminase, neither serology positive for viral hepatitis nor significant alcoholic consumption.  The predictive factors of NASH were also determined.

Results: Among 190 monks who were included in the study, 55 (28.9%) had hepatitis diagnosed from either an elevated AST and/ or ALT level. The prevalence of hepatitis was significantly higher among the monks in Dusit compared to those in Nong Chok (43.2 vs 14.7%; p<0.001). Comparing to normal individuals, the monks affected by NASH had significantly higher mean values of body mass index (27.9±5.3 vs 24.5±4.9 kg/m2, p<0.001), waist circumference (87.5±11.7 vs 81.9±14.6 cm, p<0.028), body weight (77.9±18.2vs 67.4±16.8 kg, p <0.001) and uric acid (6.7±1.23 vs 5.9±1.24, p=0.001), respectively. The mean BMI > 25 kg/m² was the only factor that increased the risk of NASH with the adjusted odds ratio of 2.84 (95% CI=1.27-6.38; p=0.011).

Conclusion:  Approximately one fourth of the Buddhist urban Thai monks had NASH. The significant independent predictive factor was obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m²). Lifestyle modification including having healthy diet and increasing physical activity, especially to reduce weight should be emphasized.