PD498 - PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS, FEEDING PRACTICES AND PREVENTIVE DIETARY BEHAVIOURS IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH COELIAC DISEASE: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

PD498

PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS, FEEDING PRACTICES AND PREVENTIVE DIETARY BEHAVIOURS IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH COELIAC DISEASE: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

A. Vlachou¹, V. Svolos^1,*, E. Zoupa¹, A. Triantafyllou¹, M. Misiou¹, M.-N. Nanti¹, K. Tsoukas¹, E. Balafa¹, E. Georgakli¹, A. Kapsoritakis², K. Argyriou², D. E. Strongylou¹, O. Androutsos¹

¹Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly , Trikala, ²Department of Gastroenterology- University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly , Larisa, Greece

Rationale: Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with increased familial risk, however, little is known about how parents perceive this risk and whether it influences their dietary beliefs and preventive practices. This study investigated parental perceptions, feeding practices, and attitudes towards diet in CD prevention.

Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in Greece. Quantitative data were collected via an online questionnaire completed by 110 first-degree relatives of children with CD, assessing risk perception, dietary beliefs, professional consultations, and preventive practices. Qualitative data were obtained through 20 semi-structured interviews with parents, guided by the Health Belief Model, and analysed thematically

Results: High awareness of genetic risk was observed (>80%), yet 71.8% did not believe diet influences disease onset or prevention, and only 21.8% reported dietary changes. Belief in the role of diet (OR=70.96, p<0.001) and nutritional consultation with healthcare professionals (OR=12.60, p=0.018) were strong predictors of dietary change, while strong belief in genetic risk was inversely associated with behaviour change (OR=0.008, p=0.047). Qualitative findings indicated that although genetic susceptibility was recognized, perceived personal risk was low and CD was viewed as manageable.
Barriers included cost, family dynamics and lack of guidance, while key facilitators were a child’s diagnosis and professional advice.

Conclusion: Despite high awareness of genetic risk, preventive dietary practices remain limited, highlighting a gap between knowledge and behaviour. Beliefs about modifiable factors and healthcare guidance shape dietary habits. Future interventions should improve health literacy, address misconceptions about genetic determinism, and provide clear, evidence-based nutritional guidance.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared