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UNDERSTANDING THE BARRIERS OF A GLUTEN FREE DIET IN CELIAC DISEASE PATIENTS: AN EDMONTON SURVEY
S Cerquozzi, CKW Wong
Wong Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Celiac disease is a common disorder in which the only recommended treatment is a lifelong avoidance of gluten. A gluten free diet (GFD) can be difficult to achieve and is dependant upon patient knowledge, support, resource availability, and lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to characterize patient education and follow up, the restrictions and factors influencing the maintenance of a GFD and to identify areas for improved celiac disease management.
METHODS: Members of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Edmonton chapter were surveyed by mail in the May/June issue of the Celiac Circular.
RESULTS: From the current responses, 88% are female; 47% between 41 and 60 years of age and 35% over 60 years of age. At the time of diagnosis, patients listed their primary sources of information as gastroenterologists followed by dieticians and thirdly, family physicians. In terms of obtaining GFD information, 89% of patients sought the CCA and 21% relied on their physicians. Only 52% of biopsy proven patients admitted to receiving routine follow up. Respondents expressed several concerns with maintaining a GFD which include: restrictions on travel (87%), properly balanced diets (77%), food selection when dining out (71%) and hidden sources of contamination (56%). Based on ranking, the greatest limiting factors in GFD adherence are: social settings, travel, time and cost.
CONCLUSION: Overall, a patient with celiac disease faces numerous challenges that can impact their quality of life and adherence to a GFD. These can be improved with physician follow up and dietary education, increased availability of gluten free foods related to dining and travel, reliable food labeling and increased public awareness and education of celiac disease and its management.