Quality of life evaluation in celiac patients from southern Brazil

Abstract

Background - Restrictions imposed by the gluten-free diet generate large changes in the daily habits of the celiac patient, causing a negative impact on quality of life. Objetive - This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with celiac disease on a capital in Southern Brazil. Methods - Patients older than 18 years were included, with confirmed celiac disease for at least 60 days in the period from June to October 2013. A validated questionnaire, with specific questions to assess the patient’s quality of life celiac was applied. A total score ranged from 20 to 100 points; the higher the score, worse quality of life. Results - A total of 103 questionnaires were evaluated, 96 (93.2%) female, with average score 56.6±12.35 (28 to 88 points). The comparison between the questionnaire scores and family income was not significant (P=0.139). Patients diagnosed less than 1 year have poorer quality of life than those with more than 10 years (P=0.063). Patients older than 60 years had better quality of life compared with the younger ones (P=0.04). Conclusion - There was no association between quality of life and factors such as family income, length of diet and age at diagnosis. Chronological age greater than 60 years has positively influenced the quality of life of celiac patients.