Abstract

BRAVO M, FRANCISCA  and  MUNOZ F, MARÍA PAZ. Adherence and impact of gluten free diet in children with celiac disease. Rev. chil. pediatr. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.3, pp. 191-197. ISSN 0370-4106.  doi: 10.4067/S0370-41062011000300003.

The treatment of Celiac Disease (CD) is a strict and permanent gluten-free diet (GFD). Factors exist that influence adherence: motivation, information, costs, correct labeling and food availability. Objectives: Describe adherence and impact of GFD in children with CD. Patients and Methods: Prospective descriptive study, through application of a 28 question survey to children 12-18 y.o. with the disorder, and parents of children 3-18 with the disease. Results: Median age: 10.5 years, 1.8 years at diagnosis. 62.5% women. Adherence to treatment was seen in 42,5% of patients according to parents, 15% according to children > 12 yrs. vs 35% parents of children > 12 y.o. 80% of children state feeling no different on a diet, 70% find the diet hard to follow. 55% have difficulty following the diet, among them, 42,8% are not sure what they can eat, 51.5% state it creates financial distress in the family. About 55% believe it affects family life due to the following: 55% food limitation, 50% food preparation, 75% affect eating out, 35% affect traveling. 50% of parents have fed children a forbidden food, mainly at home (44%). Information regarding GFD is obtained at the hospital (85%). There is 32.5% adherence to CD foundations. Conclusions: GFD impacts children's lifestyle with difficulty in adherence and management.

Keywords : Celiac disease; gluten free diet; diet adherence.