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Charting the path: Psychological factors and diet adherence in adolescents with celiac disease
For those with celiac disease (CD), adolescence is a critical time that is characterized by a number of psychological difficulties. Adolescents with CD face the task of adhering to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) while developing their self-identity, seeking independence, and managing social relationships. This pilot study by Bozas et al. (2024) explores the role of psychological factors in influencing behavioral and dietary responses in adolescents with CD, using repeated measurements over time. Thirty-one teenagers from a pediatric outpatient CD clinic, ages 11 to 18, were enlisted. Over four months, participants finished the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), and the Resilience Youth Development Module (RYDM). Additionally, twenty-seven parents participated by completing the parent version of the SDQ. The findings indicated moderate levels of mindfulness and resilience but also revealed inadequate adherence to a GFD. Parental confirmation of baseline tests revealed difficulties in psychosocial functioning and peer interactions. With gradual increases in dietary adherence and a decrease in psychosocial challenges, mindfulness and resilience declined. The study highlights the significant impact of psychological traits, suggesting that boosting mindfulness and resilience could enhance dietary adherence and overall well-being. However, tailored treatments are essential for successful illness management and social integration, considering how adolescents’ coping strategies alter in response to social settings and developmental changes. [NPID: Celiac disease, developmental transition, dietary compliance, gluten adherence, psychological elements]
Year: 2024
