Comparison of Self-Care Practices and BMI between Celiac and Non-Celiac Adolescent Populations

Abstract

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that is most frequently found in Western countries, and the only treatment available today is a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). The main aim of the present study is to compare the self-care practices and body mass index (BMI) of adolescents with CD and without CD in different dimensions (physical, psychological, social, and management). The non-probabilistic sample included 236 participants (118 with CD) aged between 12 and 16 years old, who were part of the project “Role of the family in the perception of youth self-care”. The data were obtained through the self-administration of the Practice and Management of Youth Self-care questionnaire, while the celiac population also completed the Adherence to a Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) questionnaire. The celiac population analyzed showed significant correlations between the Physical Practices and Management with adherence to a GFD, and between a GFD and Psychological Practices. Differences were observed between the celiac and the non-celiac populations in the dimensions of Physical Practices, Social Practices, and Management. With respect to BMI, age and CD showed a significant influence of a GFD on BMI (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the application of multi-dimensional questionnaires and their relationship with the adherence to a GFD provide valuable information to propose interventions directed to this population.