Objective:

To assess the prevalence and determinant factors of MASLD among individuals with cardio metabolic risk factors in Northeast Ethiopia, specifically in patients attending medical referral clinics.

Key Findings:

• The prevalence of MASLD among patients with cardio metabolic risk factors was identified, highlighting a significant public health concern.
• Significant risk factors included obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which should inform targeted interventions.
• Non-invasive diagnostic methods were utilized effectively for screening, suggesting a feasible approach for large-scale assessments.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the high prevalence of MASLD in patients with cardio metabolic risk factors, emphasizing the need for early screening and intervention, particularly in the context of rising non-communicable diseases.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to two hospitals, which may not represent the entire population of Northeast Ethiopia, and potential biases in participant selection.
• Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and confounding factors may affect the observed associations.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the importance of identifying and managing MASLD in patients with cardio metabolic risks to prevent further complications.