Exploring the MASLD CKD Socioeconomic Link

By Crystal Lubbe

April 10, 2025

How are MASLD and CKD interconnected, and what role do geography and socioeconomic factors play? A recently published article examines the relationship between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) from a socioeconomic perspective. A geographical correlation exists between MASLD and CKD incidence, influenced by factors like the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI).

Key Insights in the MASLD CKD socioeconomic link

The study reveals a strong association between MASLD incidence and CKD, particularly in low SDI countries.

  • Geographical Correlation: MASLD and CKD show similar regional distributions. High incidence rates occur in North Africa and the Middle East.
  • Socioeconomic Influence: The association between MASLD and CKD varies by SDI status. Significant correlations are found in low SDI countries but not in high SDI countries.
  • Risk Factors: Metabolic risk factors like high blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and BMI contribute to CKD incidence variance.

Background Context

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and MASLD strongly link, both increasing CKD risk through shared factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. As CKD’s global burden rises, it is expected to become a leading cause of death by 2040. Socioeconomic factors significantly influence disease distribution and management, with disparities often emerging in low-income settings. For more information, refer to the source here.

Implications

The findings have significant implications for health economics and outcomes research:

  • Targeted Interventions: Public health strategies should address socioeconomic contexts to mitigate MASLD and CKD burden effectively.
  • Economic Burden: Addressing the MASLD CKD socioeconomic link could reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and improving outcomes.
  • Equitable Health Outcomes: Understanding socioeconomic factors can help design policies promoting equitable healthcare access and reducing disparities.
Reference url

Recent Posts

Medical Schemes Affordability Crisis: Insights from the CMS Annual Report 2024/25

By João L. Carapinha

October 31, 2025

The CMS Annual Report 2024/25 highlights significant medical schemes affordability challenges in South Africa, where relevant healthcare expenditure per beneficiary surged by 8.70% year-on-year, far outpacing both contribution growth and general inflation. Solvency ratios have declined for three ...
Aligning Medical Schemes with National Health Insurance South Africa

By João L. Carapinha

October 30, 2025

The National Health Insurance initiative in South Africa is advancing toward universal health coverage, and the recent CMS Annual Report 2024/25 highlighted the regulator's pivotal role in supporting this framework by integ...
Obesity Health Economics: Forecasting Trends and Costs in the US

By HEOR Staff Writer

October 29, 2025

Obesity health economics reveals a pressing public health crisis in the US, where rising prevalence drives massive costs and strains healthcare systems. If you're wondering how obesity impacts the economy, consider this: projections show annual expenses could surpass $1 trillion by 2040, fueled b...