The affordability and obtainability of gluten-free foods for adults with coeliac disease following their withdrawal on prescription in England: A qualitative study.
J Hum Nutr Diet
; 37(1): 47-56, 2024 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37723662
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Changes to prescribing policies in England have restricted or stopped access to gluten-free food on prescription for people with coeliac disease in some geographical areas. The present study aimed to explore the impact of these changes on the affordability and obtainability of gluten-free foods for adults with coeliac disease.METHODS:
Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 24) were conducted with people with coeliac disease living in areas where prescriptions for gluten-free foods were no longer available, were restricted or followed national guidelines. Interviews explored the impact of gluten-free prescribing changes on the affordability and obtainability of gluten-free food, as well as dietary adherence.RESULTS:
All participants considered gluten-free substitute foods to be expensive. Participants felt the availability of gluten-free foods has improved over time, also acknowledging some challenges remain, such as limited local availability. For most, the withdrawal of prescriptions had minimal impact requiring small adjustments such as reducing the quantity of foods obtained. However, greater challenges were faced by those less mobile, permanently sick or disabled and/or on lower incomes.CONCLUSIONS:
The majority of participants affected by the withdrawal of prescriptions were able to adapt to cope with these changes. However, participants with mobility issues, who are permanently sick or disabled and/or on lower incomes were struggling to afford and obtain gluten-free substitute foods from elsewhere. The withdrawal of prescriptions may further widen health inequalities. Further research should focus on the long-term impacts of prescription withdrawal for the vulnerable groups identified.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Celiac Disease
/
Foods, Specialized
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
J Hum Nutr Diet
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom