Abstract
AimThe aim of the present study was to describe the health and dietary treatment of people with coeliac disease in New Zealand.
MethodsThe New Zealand Coeliac Health Survey was a self-administered cross-sectional survey adapted, with permission, from the Canadian Celiac Health Survey. All members of Coeliac New Zealand Incorporated (n = 2720) were surveyed, primarily online (n = 2383). Surveys were posted to those without an email address (n = 337).
ResultsThe overall response rate was 46.5% (n = 1264). This analysis included biopsy-positive respondents aged 16 years and over (n = 936). Mean age at diagnosis was 43.5 (SD: 15.5) years. The median time between reported onset of symptoms and diagnosis of coeliac disease was 5 years (IQR 1-16). Most (88.4%) described their diet as being strictly gluten free, yet many had incomplete recovery from symptoms. Of 81.6% reported being referred to a dietitian, 19.9% considered the information they received to be fair or poor. Following a gluten-free diet was very difficult for 6.2%, and moderately difficult for 29.8%. Common problems included finding good quality gluten-free foods and identifying whether foods were gluten free or not from the label. More than one-third (36.3%) avoided travelling because of coeliac disease at least some of the time, and one-quarter (25.6%) never or rarely ate at restaurants.
ConclusionsAlthough coeliac disease is a common condition in New Zealand, ongoing symptoms among patients suggest that dietary management is inadequate. Knowledge of a gluten-free diet and its implementation among dietitians, and the preparation of commercial and restaurant gluten-free foods could be improved.