Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM: In Georgia, the prevalence of MAFLD remains poorly defined, as evidence largely stems from small-scale hospital studies. This research used a nationwide multiregional clinic-based sample to estimate MAFLD prevalence and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, clinic-based study was conducted on 11,269 adults attending check-up clinics across Georgia from 2021 to 2025. A stratified random sampling approach considering age, sex, BMI, comorbidities and region was used to derive a representative analytic sample (n = 5,602). MAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasound and international consensus positive diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: MAFLD affected 51.6% of Georgian adults, with higher prevalence in older age, men and individuals with obesity or metabolic comorbidities. Prevalence varied significantly across regions, with the highest in Tbilisi. CONCLUSION: MAFLD is highly prevalent in Georgia. Due to the clinic-based nature of the sample, results should be interpreted with consideration of potential selection bias.