The relationship between quality of life and coping strategies of adults with celiac disease adhering to a gluten-free diet

Gastroenterol Nurs. 2011 Nov-Dec;34(6):460-8. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0b013e318237d201.

Abstract

In the United States, the prevalence of celiac disease has increased from 1 in 4,600 persons to 1 in 133 persons during the past 10 years. Although celiac disease can be managed by strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, dietary management can be challenging. A descriptive, correlational design was used to examine factors and perceived causes that interfere with adherence to a gluten-free diet, identify coping strategies, and examine the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life in 156 adults with a diagnosis of celiac disease. The Psychological General Well-Being Index and the Brief COPE were used to measure the major variables. Results indicated that problems outside the home interfere with dietary adherence. A moderate negative significant relationship (r [154] = -.46, p < .01) was found between quality of life and stress, with 54% of participants reporting a minimal amount of stress. Emotion-focused coping was found to have a significant negative effect on quality of life (H[18] = 56.67, p < .001). Implications for future research should include investigation of cognitive behavioral interventions to decrease the negative effects of stress on quality of life for adults with celiac disease adhering to a gluten-free diet.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Celiac Disease / epidemiology
  • Celiac Disease / nursing*
  • Diet, Gluten-Free* / nursing
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance* / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States / epidemiology