Quality of life questionnaire in patients with coeliac disease

Background: The incidence of coeliac disease (CD) has been increased in the latest years. Several patients don't have serious gastrointestinal symptoms at all and the diagnosis is often delayed. Patients with few, moderate symptoms or without symptoms doubt on the necessity of the life-long diet and the control examinations. Aim: To evaluate the lifestyle, the dietary habits and the attitude toward CD by a questionnaire in patients with CD. Patients and methods: The questionnaires were filled by our patients with CD who are registered in our department. Results: The total number of the cases were 74 (female: 64, male: 10; mean age: 41.7 years). 76% (56/74) of the patients reside in cities while 24% (18/74) live in villages. The time interval between the first signs or symptoms and the diagnosis was more than one year in 41% (30/74) of the cases. Other diseases associated with CD were found in 57% (42/74) of them. CD was diagnosed in one third of the patient's relatives as well. 96% (71/74) of the patients know the point of the diet but only 85% (63/74) comply with it correctly. 76% (56/74) of the cases complain about abstaining from various food. 96% (71/74) of patients are aware of the fact that it is a life-long diet. 63% (47/74) of the cases appear at regular control examinations. Conclusion: Although almost 100% of the patients are fully aware of the properties of coeliac disease, not all of them keep the diet correctly and about only half of them come to control examinations. Providing wider range of information and explanation CD would improve this situation.