Celiac Disease Knowledge and Practice of Dietitians in Rural New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate dietetic practices for patients with celiac disease and knowledge of celiac disease amongst rural dietitians. This study comprised of two parts: 1) a retrospective file audit of patients with celiac disease attending a rural dietetic outpatient clinic in NSW, Australia from 2007 to 2014 and 2) a cross-sectional survey of 25 dietitians within a rural Local Health District in NSW. Celiac disease related knowledge and diet therapy practices were assessed. Data were reported using descriptive statistics. The patient file audit (n = 17) indicated that the majority of patients (59%) had no follow-up with a dietitian. Education topics provided by dietitians included gluten-free food options (53%) and label reading (41%). Dietitians (n = 18, 72% response rate) achieved a mean score of 73% (range 48% - 90%) for celiac disease related food knowledge and 69% (range 50% - 90%) for screening and diagnosis knowledge. Perceived barriers for compliance with a gluten-free diet included limited access to dietitians, as well as limited availability and cost of gluten-free products. Current practices of rural-based dietitians in NSW are variable for patients with celiac disease, suggesting that evidence-based guidelines and continuing education are needed for rural-based dietitians in the specialized area of celiac disease.