Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the USA

How to cite this article: Lee A.R., Ng D.L., Diamond B., Ciaccio E.J. & Green P.H.R. (2012) Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the USA. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 233238 Abstract Background: The only treatment for coeliac disease is lifelong adherence to a rigorous gluten-free diet. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of coeliac disease on the social aspects of daily life of individuals in the USA. Methods: The present study used a self-administered survey including the standard Quality of Life questionnaire (12-item short-form) with validated disease-specific questions. sas statistical software 2010 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) was used to calculate the mean (SD). Results: Individuals with coeliac disease overall had a low positive health perception. Validated diet and disease-specific questions revealed a significant negative impact on quality of life in social settings. Specifically, the areas of travel, dining out and family life are most affected. The negative impact of diet significantly decreased over time, although it did not resolve for the domains of dining out of the home and travel. Those diagnosed in childhood and maintained on the diet had less of an impact on the quality of life as an adult. Conclusions: Individuals with coeliac disease in the USA have a diminished quality of life, especially in the social aspects of life.