Factors Associated with Maladaptive Eating Behaviors, Social Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Adults with Celiac Disease.

Anne R Lee,Randi L Wolf,Jessica Lebovits,Benjamin Lebwohl,Peter H R Green,Edward J Ciaccio

doi:10.3390/nu13124494

Anne R Lee, Randi L Wolf + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124494

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Abstract

A gluten-free diet (GFD), which is the only treatment for celiac disease (CeD), is challenging and associated with higher levels of anxiety, disordered eating, and lower quality of life (QOL). We examined various demographic and health factors associated with social anxiety, eating attitudes and behaviors, and QOL. Demographics and health characteristics, QOL, eating attitudes and behaviors, and social anxiety of adults with CeD were acquired using validated measures. The mean scores for QOL, SAQ, and CDFAB were compared across various demographic groups using the Z statistical test. The mean QOL score was 57.8, which is in the moderate range. The social anxiety mean scores were high: 78.82, with 9% meeting the clinical cutoff for social anxiety disorder. Those on a GFD for a short duration had significantly higher SAQ scores (worse anxiety), higher CDFAB scores (worse eating attitudes and behavior), and lower QOL scores. Those aged 23–35 years had lower QOL scores (p < 0.003) and higher SAQ scores (p < 0.003). Being single (p < 0.001) and female (p = 0.026) were associated with higher SAQ scores. These findings suggest that the development of targeted interventions to maximize QOL and healthy eating behaviors as well as to minimize anxiety is imperative for some adults with CeD.

Highlights

Celiac disease (CeD) is a genetically mediated autoimmune disease in which exposure to gluten causes symptoms and destruction of the villous architecture of the small intestine
In a previous study by our group [5], we found that quality of life (QOL) was significantly impacted in individuals on a gluten-free diet (GFD)
We investigated the demographic and health characteristics associated with social anxiety, eating attitudes and behaviors, and QOL

Summary

Introduction

Celiac disease (CeD) is a genetically mediated autoimmune disease in which exposure to gluten causes symptoms and destruction of the villous architecture of the small intestine. The damage to intestinal villi results in the malabsorption of nutrients. Other organs of the body are affected by the immune reaction to gluten. Untreated CeD is associated with bone loss, infertility, neuropathy, and neuropsychiatric symptoms [1,2,3]. Chronic undernutrition has multiple long-term negative effects on physical condition and activities of daily life, and has been well-documented in the literature [4]. The only treatment for CeD to date is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Once a GFD is initiated, the intestines often begin to heal, and most individuals report the resolution of symptoms

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