Is the taste, price and availability of gluten-free foods a deciding factor for adherence to a doctor-prescribed gluten-free diet?

Abstract

Introduction:The number of people suffering from coeliac disease continues to grow and so does the global market for gluten-free food production. Currently, the availability of gluten-free foods is widespread, especially on websites, but people who do not have access to the internet, source these foods from local shops, supermarkets or pharmacies, where prices are several times more expensive, which has a significant impact on the economic and social status of the patient. Aim: To determine patient satisfaction with the availability of gluten-free foods. Material and methods: The research was conducted in eastern Slovakia by means of an anonymous questionnaire. Patients diagnosed with coeliac disease (150) completed the questionnaire during a preventive check-up at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic in Humenne. Results: In our research, we investigated the association between improvement in the patient's health status and adherence to a gluten-free diet. At the same time, we were interested in whether patients who take a gluten-free diet suffer from anaemia and avitaminosis. Both assumptions were confirmed on the basis of statistical results. Conclusions: Currently, the availability of these foods is convenient mainly because of internet offers. However, people who do not have access to the internet or are unable to order food are left to buy food from brick-and-mortar stores or pharmacies where these products are more expensive. A factor affecting adherence to the diet is the taste of the food, which has significantly decreased after gluten has been removed from the preparation formula, which may deter many patients from eating it.