Pediatric Celiac Disease in Karbala, Iraq: Clinical Characteristics, Dietary Adherence, and Management Challenges
1 Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq.
2 Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Science, University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq.
* Corresponding Author: E-mail: dr.ph.abdullah.maad@gmail.com
ORCID Details
Kamil K. Atiyah Altameemi: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7104-5382
Abdul Sattar A. K. Al-Saeedi: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9191-1269
Abdullah H Maad: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6009-5166
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive, 2026, 11(01), 072–079.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijstra.2026.11.1.0034
Publication history:
Received on 14 August 2026; revised on 24 September 2026; accepted on 26 September 2026
Abstract:
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals following the consumption of gluten which results in damage to the mucosa of the small intestine and a broad clinical picture. The objective of the present study was to assess the clinical features, dietary compliance and difficulties faced by these children in the city of Karbala, Iraq. A cross-sectional study in 30 children ≤12 years with confirmed or suspected celiac disease from October 2024 to March 2025. Data were collected through structured, pretested questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews with patients and/or their caregivers. Information was gathered using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire using face-to-face interviews with patients and/or their caregivers. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for the analysis of data. Thirty children with celiac disease were included in the analysis. Of those that participated, 70% reported strict or near-strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, while 30% demonstrated inconsistent adherence. But the families reported 86.7% frequently had trouble finding acceptable gluten free food products. The participants were provided with nutritional services by health professionals (70.0%) but no structured nutrition counseling was available (30.0%). Coexisting conditions were present in 70% of the patients, with type 1 diabetes mellitus being the most common condition at 36.6%, followed by other conditions at 16.7% (irritable bowel syndrome), 6.7% (rheumatoid arthritis), 6.7% (psoriasis), 3.3% (Crohn's disease), and 30.0% of the children (n = 9) reported no additional autoimmune diseases. Also, 40% of participants reported other food allergies, suggesting increased immune sensitivity in this population. In conclusion, pediatric celiac disease in Karbala has a variable clinical presentation, moderate adherence to a gluten-free diet, and a significant challenge in achieving optimal management, especially in terms of gluten-free food accessibility and acceptability.
Keywords:
Celiac disease, Pediatric population, Gluten-free diet, Karbala, Iraq
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0