Assessment of Knowledge of Celiac Disease and Associated Conditions Among Dietitians in Jordan.

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is a type of systemic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten consumption among genetically predisposed individuals.

AIM: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and practices pertaining to CD and associated conditions among dietitians in Jordan.

METHOD: A cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out between April and October 2023. The survey was an internet-based questionnaire with closed-ended questions.

RESULTS

The majority of dietitians answered correctly that CD is caused due to an immunological reaction to gluten, gliadin, and protamine (91.7%); it is an autoimmune disease (71.2%); and the risk of developing an autoimmune disease is higher among CD patients (78.8). The majority of respondents (93.6%) correctly identified that a strict gluten-free diet is the treatment approach for CD patients. However, only (18.9%) of dietitians correctly identified the FDA guidelines for "Gluten Free" food labeling. Approximately 53.4% of respondents identified immunoglobulin (IgA) antibody testing as the most reliable way to diagnose patients with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietitians have a good understanding of CD topics. The development of credentials in CD would ensure that dietitians practicing in CD are skilled.