The Impact of Gluten-Free Diet on the Lifes of Individuals with Celiac Disease: A Turkish Perspective

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of gluten-free (GF) diet on social lives of patients.

Subjects and Method: The design of the study was descriptive and cross-sectional. The questionnaire was designed as an online form. The online survey was announced on an online social support network called “Turkey Celiac Association” which has about 6000 members. The patients older than 18 years and diagnosed by a specialist doctor were enrolled in the study.

Results: The study was completed with a total of 464 patients (114 males and 350 females). Difficulties often expressed by at least 50% of the respondents include: “limited purchasing power due to the high cost of gluten-free products (59.3%)”, “lack of accessibility to gluten-free products in grocery stores (51.9%)”, “lack of accessibility to gluten-free products in local stores (54.1%)”, and “inability to find shops and restaurants selling gluten-free foods during travelling (49.1%)”.

Conclusion: Today, educating patients on a gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of treatment. In this article, the priorities of gluten-free nutrition education by the dietitians and recommendations of solution for the barriers affecting the sustainability of the diet are emphasized.