Cross-Cultural Participation in Food-Related Activities and Quality of Life among Children with Celiac Disease

• Main Authors: Sonya Meyer (Author), Chiara Monachesi (Author), Mara Barchetti (Author), Elena Lionetti (Author), Carlo Catassi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/children10081300; 2227-9067
• Keywords: celiac disease; cross-culture; food-related activities; quality of life; questionnaire; Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: Children, Vol 10, Iss 8, p 1300 (2023)

Children with celiac disease may face challenges in managing a gluten-free diet during their daily interactions and activities. The objective of this study was to compare how children with celiac disease manage their gluten-free diet and participate in food-related activities in Italy and Israel and to assess their quality of life. The previously validated Children's Activities Report (CD-Chart) and the Disease-specific Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children with Celiac Disease (CDDUX) were administered in Italy to children aged 8-16 diagnosed with CD (<i>n</i> = 39). The results were compared to data that had been previously gathered from Israeli children with CD (<i>n</i> = 106). The CD-Chart demonstrated satisfactory internal reliability within each cultural group (Italy: α = 0.82; Israel: α = 0.76). Mann-Whitney U-tests indicated significant differences between the two groups. The Italian children exhibited a significantly higher preference for participating in the activities compared to the Israelis (<i>U</i> = 3283.50, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Nonetheless, the Italian children displayed a notable decrease in their level of involvement in the preparation required before engaging in different activities (<i>U</i> = 760.50, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Moreover, they exhibited significantly lower self-determination in this preparatory process compared to the Israeli children (<i>U</i> = 726.00, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Significant group differences were found between the CDDUX children's self-reports and parents' proxy reports in the Israeli group but not in the Italian group. The CD-Chart revealed both shared and distinct participation characteristics in daily food-related activities across different cultural contexts. By incorporating the CD-Chart and the CDDUX, healthcare professionals can emphasize crucial aspects of day-to-day health management and guide them in establishing suitable intervention objectives to enhance effective health self-management.