A ‘luxury’ health struggle: a qualitative analysis of the socio-economic experiences of university students with celiac disease
Şenay Burçin Alkan, Lütfiye TekpınarAbstract
Objective:
University students with celiac disease (CD) are considered a vulnerable group. The number of qualitative studies examining the challenges faced by this group is limited. The aim of the study was to analyse the social and economic impacts of the CD among university students diagnosed with CD who live away from their families.
Design:
A qualitative phenomenological design was utilised. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s seven-stage strategy.
Setting:
Türkiye.
Participants:
Nine university students (mean age: 22 ± 1·6 years) diagnosed with CD.
Results:
The students were living independently at home or dormitory in Konya. The qualitative analysis yielded six main themes: ‘encountering the disease’, ‘adapting to the disease’, ‘living with the disease’, ‘impact on relationships’, ‘economic burden’ and ‘patient expectations’. Participants reported significant challenges regarding social isolation, lack of societal awareness (confusion between gluten and glucose) and food insecurity within university cafeterias and dormitories. The high cost of gluten-free products was identified as a major economic barrier, with the student described CD as a ‘disease of the wealthy’.
Conclusion:
This study highlights that CD is not merely a clinical condition but a complex lifestyle challenge affecting all aspects of a student’s educational and social life. Recognising CD from this holistic perspective is crucial for developing effective interventions, including targeted psychological counselling and institutional support mechanisms.