Abstract
One of the most challenging aspects of celiac disease management is lack of awareness in public. Aim of the study was to evaluate public awareness and sensitivity on celiac disease and gluten-free diet. 501 individuals in Manisa, Turkey were subjected to a survey to obtain information on demographics, awareness of celiac disease, celiac and gluten-free diet relationship, effect on social life quality and social awareness and sensitivity. Results were analyzed by chi-square test. 43.9% of the public had never heard of celiac disease before. Females were more aware of the disease and gluten-free diet dependency. Majority of the postgraduates (79.6%) recognized the disease. 44.9% of the respondents remarked that celiac patients had hesitations on dining out, while 32.3% found those people restricted for travel and holiday activities. Above one-third of subjects indicated that gluten-free product variety in the market was inadequate. However, more than half had no idea on these. Over 50% felt that, social awareness and sensitivity towards disease was unsatisfactory. This study was conducted to mirror the society’s approach towards celiac patients. It was demonstrated that public’s awareness and sensitivity about celiac disease was scarce. Knowledge of ‘celiac’ needs to be raised.
Highlights
Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible people consuming cereals; wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oat (Fasano & Catassi, 2012)
Awareness of celiac disease and gluten-free diet was determined with a face-to-face conversation questionnaire which was performed with individuals in city centrum of Manisa, Turkey at the year 2017
In order to determine the awareness of public towards celiac disease and GF diet, participants were firstly asked if they had ever heard of celiac disease (CD)
Summary
Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible people consuming cereals; wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oat (Fasano & Catassi, 2012). Point is that; frequency is increasing in several developing countries as a result of westernization of the diet, dietarial alteration due to agricultural revolution, changes in wheat production and preparation, raised awareness and diagnosis of the disease (Rostami et al, 2004; Fasano & Catassi, 2012). Since only 10% of the people having the disorder has been clinically diagnosed (Turkey, 2019); the real number of individuals embracing a gluten-free diet is expected to be much more than those reported. As known; the low frequencies of CD and delays of diagnosis in developing countries were likely due to low levels of awareness. Present study aims to fill this gap by surveying awareness of general public in order to mirror the social restrictions of celiacs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
