The impact of a gluten-free diet on adults with coeliac disease: results of a national survey.
J Hum Nutr Diet
; 19(1): 41-9, 2006 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16448474
ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the impact of the gluten-free diet on the 5,240 members of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA). Data are presented on 2,681 adults (>or=16 years) with biopsy-proven celiac disease (CD). METHODS:
A mail-out survey was used. Quality of life was evaluated using the 'SF12', and celiac-specific questions.RESULTS:
Mean age was 56 years, mean age at diagnosis was 45 years, and 75% were female. The 'SF12' summary scores were similar to normative Canadian data, but were significantly lower for females and newly diagnosed patients. Respondents reported following a gluten-free (GF) diet (90%), improvement on the diet (83%), and difficulties following the diet (44%), which included determining if foods were GF (85%), finding GF foods in stores (83%), avoiding restaurants (79%), and avoiding travel (38%). Most common reactions to consumed gluten (among 73%) included pain, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nausea, and headache. Excellent information on CD and its treatment was provided by the CCA (64%), gastroenterologists (28%), dietitians (26%) and family doctor (12%).CONCLUSIONS:
Quality of life in those with CD could be increased with early diagnosis, increased availability of gluten-free foods, improved food labelling, and better dietary instruction. Education of physicians and dietitians about CD and its treatment is essential.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Quality of Life
/
Celiac Disease
/
Glutens
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Screening_studies
Aspects:
Patient_preference
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
J Hum Nutr Diet
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Year:
2006
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canadá