Knowledge levels of physiotherapy students on celiac disease: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Future physiotherapists may contribute to multidisciplinary care for individuals with celiac disease; however, evidence regarding their knowledge levels remains limited. This exploratory study aimed to address this gap.

This cross-sectional study included 297 physiotherapy students. Data were collected online using a researcher-developed 30-item questionnaire assessing knowledge of celiac disease symptoms, diagnosis-treatment, and disease-related considerations. Knowledge scores were calculated based on correct responses, with a maximum score of 59, and statistical analyses were performed to examine associated factors.

Among the 297 participants, 91.6% reported having previously heard of celiac disease. The median total knowledge score was 15.0 out of 59. While 62.5% of participants selected "I don't know" for extraintestinal manifestations, 39.0% reported no knowledge regarding diagnostic methods. Although exercise was considered beneficial by 64.0% of participants, only 8.7% identified high-intensity interval training. Female students had higher total knowledge scores than male students [16.0 (11.25-23.0) vs. 12.0 (5.0-18.0); p = 0.001]. In multivariable analysis, female gender (B = 4.763; p = 0.001) and being a third- or fourth-year student were associated with higher total knowledge scores.

This exploratory study suggests preliminary knowledge gaps among physiotherapy students regarding celiac disease, particularly extraintestinal involvement, diagnostic approaches, and disease-specific rehabilitation-related considerations.

The findings should be interpreted cautiously but may support considering disease-specific educational content within multidisciplinary physiotherapy training.