Factors associated with dietary adherence and quality of life in people with Coeliac Disease

Kumar, Shivani (2023). Factors associated with dietary adherence and quality of life in people with Coeliac Disease. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Background
Coeliac Disease (CD) is a chronic condition that is managed by adhering to a gluten-free diet. Factors such as food attitudes and behaviours are associated with dietary adherence and Quality of Life (QoL) in people with CD, however the role of perfectionism has not previously been investigated. Perfectionism is associated with lower QoL in people with other chronic health conditions and linked to lower levels of self-compassion. This study aims to explore the interrelationships and mediating effects between self-compassion, perfectionism, food attitudes and behaviours, on dietary adherence and QoL.

Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted where 458 international participants with CD completed an online questionnaire. Data were collected using the following measures: The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), The Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), The Coeliac Disease Quality of Life survey (CD-QOL), The Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT), and The Coeliac Disease Food Attitudes and Behaviours Scale (CD-FAB).

Results
Pearson’s correlation showed significant associations between self-compassion, perfectionism and food attitudes and behaviours with dietary adherence, and only self-compassion predicted dietary adherence in a regression model. Pearson’s correlation also showed age, age of diagnosis, length of diagnosis, self-compassion, perfectionism, food attitudes and behaviours and dietary adherence had significant relationships with QoL. The regression model showed food attitudes and behaviours and dietary adherence significantly predicted QoL. There were no mediating variables that influenced dietary adherence or QoL. However, the direct relationships remained significant in the presence of the mediators.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that self-compassion is an important psychological factor to consider in the management of CD and factors such as perfectionism and food attitudes and behaviours should be taken into consideration.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):