Knowledge about coeliac disease: Results of survey conducted among persons screened using a self-administered transglutaminase-based test

Abstract

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune, gluten-related disorder occurring in genetically predisposed individuals. The keystone to CD management is a gluten-free diet (GFD). Recently, media have been promoting the application of a GFD, however, this is necessary only in gluten-related disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge on CD among individuals, who conducted a self-administered coeliac disease test. Three hundred adult volunteers took part both in the anti-tissue transglutaminase screening and the survey concerning knowledge on CD. Five positive CD tests were obtained, representing 1.67% of the analysed population. In general, the questionnaire respondents were familiar with the issue of CD. The majority of them correctly defined CD as gluten intolerance, and realized that it may occur at any age. Gastrointestinal problems were easily associated with CD, however, extraintestinal symptoms were less frequently recognized as a manifestation of this disease. A GFD was properly identified as a method of treating CD by 95% of the respondents. Self-administered, transglutaminasebased screened persons presented a good level of knowledge on CD, regardless of their gender, place of residence, or education. However, dissemination of knowledge is needed, as CD is still an underestimated problem.