Open AccessCeliac Dietary Adherence Test simplifies Determining Adherence to a Gluten‐free Diet in Swedish Adolescents
Author(s) -
Johansson Katarina,
Norström Fredrik,
Nordyke Katrina,
Myleus Anna
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002451
Subject(s) - medicine , gluten free , tissue transglutaminase , gluten , disease , population , antibody , pediatrics , immunology , environmental health , pathology , biochemistry , chemistry , enzyme
Objectives: The aims of the study were to ascertain whether the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT) could contribute in determining adherence to a gluten‐free diet in patients with celiac disease and to evaluate the diet adherence and well being of a study population 5 years after a celiac disease screening known as “Exploring the Iceberg of Celiacs in Sweden.” Methods: Through the screening, 90 adolescents (born 1997) were diagnosed with biopsy‐proven celiac disease at 12 years of age. Of them, 70 (78%) came to a 5‐year follow‐up where anti–tissue transglutaminase antibodies 2 was tested and a questionnaire was filled in, including CDAT, which consists of 7 questions related to adherence. Nonparametrical tests were used to determine associations between adherence measures. Results: Among the adolescents, 86% were adherent to a gluten‐free diet 5 years after screening, 38% reported their general well being as excellent, 50% very well, and 12% well. Statistically significant associations were seen between anti–tissue transglutaminase antibodies 2 and the CDAT score ( P = 0.033), and the self‐reported adherence question and the CDAT score ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: The screening‐detected adolescents reported a high level of well being and adherence to a gluten‐free diet 5 years after screening. We conclude that the CDAT can be used in clinical practice as an estimation of adherence to a gluten‐free diet. It would be most suitable to use in conjunction with currently used adherence measures, but can also be used as a stand‐alone method when others are not accessible.