The adolescent celiac experience: a holistic perspective on self-care among the “invisible” segment of society

Aktaş E. F., Ünlü Kaynakçı F. Z.

DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, cilt.0, sa.0, ss.1-10, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 0 Sayı: 0
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2496352
  • Dergi Adı: DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, AgeLine, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, SportDiscus, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-10
  • TED Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

Purpose

Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, combined with the developmental needs of adolescence, can profoundly impact the lives of adolescents with celiac disease. This study aims to explore the life experiences of such individuals, a population often overlooked in society.

Materials and methods

The study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in semi-structured interviews with 14 adolescents (11 females and 3 males) aged 14–19 years.

Results

Four experiential themes were identified: (1) The Role of Celiac Disease in Life Dimensions; (2) Strategies for Self-Care Maintenance; (3) The Role of Support Systems in Facilitating Self-Care; and (4) Challenges for Sustaining Self-Care Maintenance.

Conclusion

The current findings indicated that the disease impacts not only physical health but also social and emotional well-being, as well as academic and career aspirations. Social support emerged as a crucial factor in promoting effective self-care, whereas experiences of discrimination presented significant barriers to its maintenance.