Quality of Life and Psychological Problems in Children with and without Celiac Disease

Abstract

Background: Celiac disease (CD) triggers an autoimmune response in the body involving the immune system. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate and compare the quality of life (QOL) in children with CD and those without CD. Additionally, the study aimed to contrast the self-reported QOL of children with CD with the assessments made by their parents. Methods: In this cross-sectional, case-control study, the QOL of children with CD, aged 6-12 years, was compared with that of age- and gender-matched children without CD. Additionally, the study involved a comparison of the QOL assessments reported by both parents and children. The Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (Kid-KINDL) was used to appraise QOL from the perspectives of both children and their parents. Specifically, the parents completed the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC). Results: The present results indicated significant differences between children with and without CD in terms of QOL, psychological problems, attention, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing symptoms (as reported by the parents), as well as school performance, self-esteem, and emotional well-being (as reported by children) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the QOL and self-esteem reports between children with CD and their parents (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study offered valuable insights into the QOL, psychological disorders, and related factors in children with and without CD. Additionally, it underscored the tendency of parents with children suffering from CD to underestimate their children’s QOL.