The association between socioeconomic status and the symptoms at diagnosis of celiac disease: A retrospective cohort study

Abhik Roy, Shilpa Mehra, Ciarán P. Kelly, Sohaib Tariq, Kumar Pallav, Melinda Dennis, Ann Peer, Benjamin Lebwohl, Peter H.R. Green, Daniel A. Leffler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: There are little data on patient factors that impact diagnosis rates of celiac disease. This study aims to evaluate the association between patient socioeconomic status and the symptoms at diagnosis of celiac disease. Methods: A total of 872 patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease were categorized based on the presence or absence of (1) diarrhea and (2) any gastrointestinal symptoms at diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between socioeconomic status and symptoms. Results: Patients without diarrhea at presentation had a higher mean per capita income (US$34,469 versus US$32,237, p = 0.02), and patients without any gastrointestinal symptoms had a higher mean per capita income (US$36,738 versus US$31,758, p < 0.01) compared with patients having such symptoms. On multivariable analysis adjusting for sex, age, autoimmune or psychiatric comorbidities, and income, per capita income remained a significant predictor of diagnosis without gastrointestinal symptoms (odds ratio: 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-2.50, p < 0.01), and it showed a trend towards significance in diagnosis without diarrhea (odds ratio: 1.40, 95% confidence interval: 0.98-2.02, p = 0.06). Conclusions: Patients with nonclassical symptoms of celiac disease are less likely to be diagnosed if they are of lower socioeconomic status. Celiac disease may be under-recognized in this population due to socioeconomic factors that possibly include lower rates of health-seeking behavior and access to healthcare.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)495-502
Number of pages8
JournalTherapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • diarrhea
  • gluten-free diet
  • healthcare disparity
  • income

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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