Date of Paper

5-2013

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Sarah Ferguson

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

Individuals with celiac disease face many challenges when navigating the world around them. Adolescents with celiac disease must face the challenge of standing out in a world that is heavily influenced by peers and the pressure to fit in. The purpose of this project was to explore factors of non-compliance for adolescents with celiac disease. Using a qualitative design, two adolescent female volunteers participated in a focus group regarding factors in their lives that led them to not comply with the gluten-free diet. Data were analyzed and the focus group responses were then linked to previous related literature. The findings indicated that the respondents were in fact able to comply with the gluten-free diet based on the severity of their symptoms, support from others, knowledge of others about the gluten-free diet, and their own knowledge. These findings highlight the importance of support and knowledge and point out the need for a greater effort to offer continued support and research for celiac disease.

Included in

Social Work Commons

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