Navigating the gluten-free diet in college.
Factors that affect adherence to the gluten-free diet (GFD) are reported in children and adults; however, there is little data regarding young adults. The objective of the present study is to explore adherence challenges experienced by young adults in college. Responses from the online survey (N = 50), interview (N = 21), and focus group (N = 7) indicate students were motivated to adhere but experience challenges related to dining services and social situations. Dining services from 6 colleges reported a variety of accommodations for students with celiac disease, but request increased student involvement. Tools and strategies that facilitate communication between students and dining services may improve adherence.
Center for Child and Adolescent Health Research and Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA. panzer.rebecca@gmail.com
Rebecca M
RM
Panzer
Melinda
M
Dennis
Ciaran P
CP
Kelly
Dascha
D
Weir
Alan
A
Leichtner
Daniel A
DA
Leffler
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy*; D003142:Communication; D004034:Diet Surveys; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005522:Food Services; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult