KATARINA JOHANSSON - Managing celiac disease in adolescents and young adults in primary health care

Project description

Background

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease affecting 2-3% of the Swedish population. The only treatment is a life-long gluten-free diet and those untreated have an increased risk for complications. Treatment burden is high and the follow-up as well as the consequences of living with celiac disease are not well studied.

Aim

The purpose of this PhD project is to develop a better understanding for the adherence to a gluten-free diet, the follow-up in primary health care and the consequences of living with celiac disease.

Method

Quantitative and qualitative methods will be used. The project is in four parts. Part one is a cross-sectional study, where a new method for accessing adherence will be evaluated. The second part is a semi-structured interview study, and the patient experience will be in focus. The third and fourth part are both register-based studies where socioeconomic and medical consequences will be investigated.

Relevance

This project will contribute to the evidence-base for management of celiac disease in primary health care and increase the knowledge about living with the disease.