The Effect of Group-Based Education on Knowledge and Adherence to a Gluten-Free Diet in Patients with Celiac Disease: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Considering the importance of educational programs on compliance of patients with celiac disease with a gluten-free diet (GFD), we investigated the effect of a group-based education program on knowledge and adherence to a GFD in patients with celiac disease. Method In the present controlled clinical trial, patients in the intervention group (n = 66) underwent a three-session group-based educational program, and patients in the control group (n = 64) received routine education in visits to the clinic. The primary outcomes were knowledge and adherence to a GFD. Participant knowledge was assessed by a validated author-designed questionnaire. Adherence rate was evaluated by the Persian version of celiac disease adherence test (CDAT) questionnaire. Results were analyzed based on intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Results Results of the ANCOVA test showed that the mean score of knowledge about celiac disease and gluten in the intervention group was significantly higher compared with the control group immediately after intervention (p = 0.002) and 3 months post-intervention (p = 0.03). In terms of gluten-free food item selection, the intervention group achieved a significantly better score than the control group immediately after intervention (p < 0.001) as well as 3 months post-intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the CDAT score between the two groups 3 months post-intervention (p = 0.02). Conclusion Evidence suggests that group-based education was an effective intervention among patients with celiac disease to improve knowledge and adherence to a GFD.