Assessment of the social quality of life and the physical activity of adult celiac disease patients following a gluten-free diet in Lebanon

Nutr Health. 2024 Mar;30(1):103-113. doi: 10.1177/02601060221095685. Epub 2022 May 22.

Abstract

To date, the primary and only treatment recommended for effective management of celiac disease (CD) is adherence to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) which entails a new approach to eating that affects the social quality of life (QoL) and physical activity (PA) of patients. This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the social QoL and PA of adult Lebanese CD patients aged between 18 and 59 years old who are following a GFD. An online CD questionnaire was administered to 136 Lebanese celiac participants on a GFD. The findings of this study show a significant association between celiac patients following a GFD and their social QoL (P-value = 0.0001). The results also showed a significant association between the same population and their PA (p-value = 0.0001). Further awareness-raising and learning activities about gluten-free products are needed to improve the adherence to a strict GFD to facilitate its availability to the Lebanese population.

Keywords: Celiac disease; Lebanon; gluten-free diet; physical activity; social quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Celiac Disease*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet, Gluten-Free
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Lebanon
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Quality of Life
  • Young Adult