Nutritional Management of Celiac Disease patients in Gaffer IbnOaff Pediatric Hospital, Khartoum State

The study was conducted in Gaffer IbnOaff Pediatrics hospital during the period from July 2011 to March 2012 targeting patients with celiac disease. The main objective of the study was to assess the dietary management of celiac disease patients in Gaffer IbnOaff pediatric hospital. The number of patients during the study period was 65. Primary data were collected by using designed questionnaire directed to mothers of celiac disease patients and another one for nutritionist working in the hospital. Secondary data was collected from available related literature in books, Journals, studies and internet. The results showed that almost more than half of the children were severely mal nourished (57 %). The most common symptoms were diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain. All respondents were excluded wheat from the diet and used gluten free diet and there were clear improvements apparent in children. Significant relationship were detected between mothers occupation, education and knowledge about gluten free diet (p value = 0.000), significant association was also detected between children age and improvement after avoiding certain types of food containing gluten (p value = 0.0008). All respondents received nutritional advice from the nutritionist who played a very important role in the management of celiac disease. The role of nutritionist as stated in the present study assessed the children and measured them, determined suitable meals for celiac patients, supervised the work at the kitchen, followed distribution of meals, gave vitamins and mineral supplement, gave nutrition education, followed up the child after discharged and determined free gluten diet. Nutrition awareness of the mothers was quite acceptable regarding diet and nutrition of celiac disease patients. The study recommended mothers should continue to give their children gluten free diet after discharge from the hospital.