Liver disease is an increasing public health concern, affecting an estimated 80–100 million people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Hispanic/Latino individuals have the highest mortality rate from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Many liver diseases are diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited and patient outcomes are poorer. However, there are several other factors that contribute to delays in diagnosis and care within the Hispanic/Latino community, including:
- Limited access to healthcare
- Language barriers
- Cultural mistrust of the healthcare system
- Lack of awareness about liver disease
Risk factors
A form of liver disease disproportionately affecting Hispanic/Latino communities — a striking 58% — is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is the buildup of extra fat in the liver. MASLD is common in Hispanic/Latino populations due to:
- Genetic risk factors
- A diet high in carbohydrates
- Higher rates of obesity
- Increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes
Left untreated, MASLD can progress to an advanced stage known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and a liver transplant.
Prevention and advancements
Raising awareness and providing culturally tailored education and bilingual resources are key to improving health outcomes and closing the gap in care for the Hispanic/Latino community. Advancements in liver disease research are also within reach. The recent launch of the first-ever Spanish-language patient registry for all types of liver diseases will help provide researchers with a better understanding of liver diseases, the impact of current treatments, and how liver disease affects the Hispanic/Latino community.
Act now
- Find out if you’re at risk for MASLD at thinkliverthinklife.org/prueba
- Incorporate healthy lifestyle tips into your daily routine
- Help advance liver research, treatments, and cures
- Advocate for change
To learn about liver disease, prevention, and more, visit liverfoundation.org. To help advance liver disease research for the Hispanic/Latino community, visit liverpatientregistry.org.
