Uncovering the Gap: Coeliac Disease Knowledge Among Healthcare Professionals in the Danube Region

Overview

Journal BMC Gastroenterol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2024 Aug 9

PMID 39123100

Authors

Petra Riznik

Ida Carnohorski

Jasmina Dolinsek

Natasa Dragutinovic

Judit Gyimesi

Almuthe Christine Hauer

Martina Klemenak

Ilma Rita Korponay-Szabo

Tomaz Krencnik

Mario Masic

Zrinjka Misak

Vesna Pavkov

Alina Popp

Tatiana Raba

Peter Szitanyi

Jernej Dolinsek

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Several studies have shown that the knowledge about coeliac disease (CD) is not satisfactory among healthcare professionals (HCP). The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge of HCPs about CD in the Danube region.

Methods: HCPs from 8 countries in the Danube region were asked to complete the web-based questionnaire about CD. Scores of HCPs were compared according to their speciality, work experience and country of residence. The results were compared with the results of a similar study conducted in Central Europe within the Focus IN CD project in 2016.

Results: Questionnaire was completed by 799 HCPs from Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Mean score achieved by HCPs was 52.2%. Paediatric gastroenterologists scored the highest (75.3%). Comparing the data with the study conducted in Central Europe in 2016, we found a significant rise (p < 0.001) in the knowledge of paediatric gastroenterologists. Also, HCPs who previously took part in the Focus IN CD project, achieved higher score (61.1% vs. 50.8%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The knowledge about CD among HCPs in Danube region is not satisfactory. There has been a significant increase in the knowledge of paediatric gastroenterologists, showing the benefit of various awareness raising activities that were carried out recently.

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