Factors influencing Quality of Life in Patients with Celiac Disease: Insights from SF-12 and CDQ Assessments

Aims Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aims to iexplore the factors influencing QoL in patients with CD

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients followed for celiac disease at the gastroenterology department of Sahloul. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-12 and CDQ questionnaires, alongside the collection of demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data.

Results A total of 100 patients were included, with a mean age of 34.5 years (± 9.5) and a male-to-female ratio of 0.39. Only 27% of patients strictly adhered to a gluten-free diet. The mean SF-12 score was 26.00 (± 4.01), with all patients scoring below 40, indicating a significant impact on QoL. The gastrointestinal domain of the CDQ had the highest mean score (33.43±8.00), with 25 patients classified in the lowest quartile (total CDQ score<105).Univariate analysis revealed that the physical component score of the SF-12 was significantly higher in men compared to women (12.89±2.47 vs. 11.78±2.15, p=0.02). A higher total SF-12 score was statistically associated with being male, having a university education, and the absence of personal autoimmune disease history (p=0.00 and 0.03). University education was linked to higher scores in the 'emotional' (29.19±7.64 vs. 25.33±6.69, p=0.01), 'worries' (30.65±8.95 vs. 25.85±7.94, p=0.03), and 'gastrointestinal' (35.01±8.08 vs. 30.23±7.98, p<0.001) domains of the CDQ. The total CDQ score was significantly higher in patients with a university education (128.53±28.39) compared to those with primary or secondary education (111.05±29.65, p=0.02).Multivariate analysis showed that the total SF-12 score was significantly associated with age (Beta=-0.291 [95% CI: -0.22; -0.01]) and the total CDQ score (Beta=3.504 [95% CI: 0.02 – 0.09]). The physical component of the SF-12 was statistically associated with being male and having a university education (p=0.04 and p=0.00, respectively). Only the level of education was statistically associated with the 'gastrointestinal' domain of the CDQ (p=0.01).

Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of education and adherence to a gluten-free diet in enhancing the well-being of patients with celiac disease. Future interventions should focus on improving patient education and compliance to optimize their quality of life.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025