Health-Related Stigma and Challenges Faced by Men Living with Celiac Disease: A Qualitative Analysis

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition managed by strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. Dietary choice has gendered connotations, and men with CD may face judgment from others when following a gluten-free diet. However, little is known about health-related stigma in men with CD.

The study aim was to explore the health-related stigma and challenges faced by men with CD, and the influence of CD on their lives.

Qualitative semistructured online interviews were conducted with men living with CD.

Twenty adults (aged 18 years or older) identifying as men living in the United Kingdom, with self-reported CD, were recruited using social media and opportunistic sampling.

Participants provided rich, detailed discussions about aspects of their experience of living with CD. Reflexive thematic analysis was used, with a critical-realist lens that enabled researchers to connect men's experiences within wider sociocultural constructs such as masculinity and social identity.

Three themes were identified: CD threatens social inclusion; others' assumptions about CD and microaggressions have a psychological influence, and masculine norms, health-related stigma, and power dynamics influence men's health behaviors and everyday experience. Health-related stigma was found to be interconnected with these men's gendered social environment, suggesting that may be an important social and structural determinant of dietary, health-related, and health support-seeking behaviors in men diagnosed with CD.

Contrary to prior assumptions, health-related stigma influences men with CD of all ages, particularly in social settings. The study unveils the complex interplay of individual beliefs, social norms, and power dynamics, in particular with other men, that influence individual beliefs and emphasize the performative aspect of food consumption. Internalized stigma and microaggressions influence men's well-being. To better support men with CD, health providers, charitable organizations, and the food industry should address the social influence of adherence to a gluten-free diet, in particular perceived threats to social status and inclusion, which may cause concern, influence food choice, and influence dietary adherence.