Aim: The purpose of the study was to better investigate the degree of knowledge and the diagnostic approach concerning celiac disease and its extra-intestinal manifestations by general practitioners in Italy.
Background: Celiac Disease is a common chronic disease, but often goes undiagnosed because of atypical symptoms or silent disease. Currently there are non-definitive data about the disease management approach concerning celiac disease by general practitioners.
Methods: To better investigate the degree of knowledge and the diagnostic approach concerning celiac disease and its extra-intestinal manifestations, questionnaire was used to assess the daily practice of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of this condition by general practitioners in two densely populated area in Italy: Monza-Brianza Area and Milan City. The questionnaire was composed of 18 questions that explored 3 precise domains: diagnosis criteria, correct management of celiac disease and availability for training. The frequencies of the domains explored were analyzed, analyzes were carried out to identify differences between the groups of general practitioners interviewed.
Results: Analysis of the questionnaires showed a degree of knowledge and preparation comparable to that of other countries, even though not sufficient to guarantee access to early diagnosis for all patients with celiac disease. The knowledge was not influenced by the years of experience or specific curriculum of health professionals. General practitioners under 40 were much more in favor of continuous training and were aware of its importance (OR=10.55; CI95%: 1.62-445.39), although this need was a high priority in the whole group interviewed (84.7%).
Conclusion: Continuous specific training aimed at primary care physicians and general practitioners is the first tool to improve early diagnosis. A second opportunity is represented by the continuous dialogue between general practitioners and tertiary level hospitals and universities.
Keywords: Celiac disease; General practitioners; Questionnaires; Surveys.