Hepatitis in Thai Buddhist Monks in Urban Community
Sethasine S, MD1, Kamsom A, MSc2, Rojtangkom K, MPH3
Affiliation : 1 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Research Facilitation Division, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand 3 Community Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of non-alcoholic 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. The study was conducted from March 2017 to November 2017. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and was defined when
there was abnormal transaminase, neither serology positive for viral hepatitis nor significant alcoholic consumption. The predic-
tive factors of NASH were also determined.
Results : Among 190 monks who were included in the present 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+18.2 vs. 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 to 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.
Keywords : Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Transaminase, Urban, Monk
