Exploring the Factors Impacting Quality of Life in Patients with Celiac Disease: Insights from the CDQ Questionnaire

Aims Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aims to identify the factors influencing the QoL of patients with CD, focusing specifically on the CDQ questionnaire.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 patients diagnosed with celiac disease. The quality of life was assessed using the CDQ questionnaire, which evaluates various dimensions related to the disease's impact on daily life. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data were also collected.

Results The average age of participants was 34.5 years (± 9.5 years), with a female predominance (sex ratio male/female of 0.39). The analysis revealed that the gastrointestinal domain of the CDQ had the highest average score (33.43±8.00). A total of 25 patients were classified in the lowest quartile, indicating poor quality of life with a total score below 105. Univariate analysis showed that the emotional domain score was statistically associated with a university education level compared to primary and secondary education (29.19±7.64 vs. 25.33±6.69, p=0.01) and the absence of a history of autoimmune disease (28.86±7.90 vs. 24.70±5.93, p=0.02). The scores for the 'worries' and 'gastrointestinal' domains were higher only for patients with a university education, with scores of 30.65±8.95 vs. 25.85±7.94 (p=0.03) and 35.01±8.08 vs. 30.23±7.98 (p<0.001), respectively. The total CDQ score was higher for those with a university education (128.53±28.39) compared to those with primary and secondary education (111.05±29.65), which was statistically significant (p=0.02). After multivariate adjustment, only the education level was statistically associated with the gastrointestinal domain of the CDQ score (p=0.01).

Conclusions This study highlights the significant role of education in influencing the quality of life of patients with celiac disease, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve the well-being of these patients.

 

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Conflicts of Interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025