Bridging the Gap: Awareness, Knowledge, and Challenges of Living with Celiac Disease in Bulgaria

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated systemic disorder induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, requiring lifelong management through a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). Although its global prevalence is around 1%, awareness and diagnosis remain suboptimal, contributing to challenges in disease management. Objectives: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and experiences of Bulgarian CD patients and caregivers regarding CD, diagnosis, and dietary adherence. Methods: A structured survey was conducted to evaluate patient and caregiver knowledge, awareness, and experiences with CD, focusing on the diagnostic process and dietary practices. Data were collected from a sample of Bulgarian CD patients and their caregivers. Results: The majority of the 191 respondents (94%) recognized CD as a lifelong condition, but only 26.7% correctly identified its autoimmune, systemic nature. The average diagnostic delay was 8.1 months, with over 50% of patients relying on serological tests alone, consistent with recent non-biopsy guidelines. Dietary adherence was significantly hindered by misconceptions about gluten-containing grains and societal barriers. Notably, 83.6% of participants reported bringing their own food when eating outside. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted public health initiatives, enhanced healthcare provider training, and improved dietary education to address knowledge gaps, expedite diagnosis, and improve dietary adherence. Such interventions could help reduce the psychosocial burden of CD and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.