Perceção do estado de saúde e da qualidade de vida numa amostra de celíacos portugueses

Abstract

IntroductionThe treatment of celiac disease is a gluten-free diet (GFD). The compliance with a GFD is dependent on multiple factors, which include, possibly, the quality of life (QoL). ObjectiveTo evaluate the perception of health status and QoL in a sample of Portuguese celiac patients, relating it to the compliance of the GFD. Material and methodsTransversal study which data collection was based on a structured questionnaire prepared to be self-applied and filled in online. The QoL was evaluated through Short-Form health survey 36 (SF-36). Categorical variables were described through proportions and continuous variables were described through mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range. ResultsThe study included 195 Portuguese individuals, with a median age of 32 years. About 67% of respondents believed to enjoy very good or good health. The highest mean scores were obtained for the domains “physical functioning” and “role-physical” and the lowest scores for the domains “vitality” and “general health”. Women had significantly lower scores for the domains “bodily pain”, vitality” and “mental health”. There was no association found between the perception of QoL and compliance with the GFD. Participants with more recent diagnosis had lower scores in all domains of the SF-36. ConclusionsThe celiac respondents rated their general health status and QoL in better levels than the Portuguese population in general. The QoL was not associated with compliance of the GFD.