@article{article_1744734, title={Gluten-Free Awareness: Teachers’ Knowledge Levels About Celiac Disease}, journal={Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi}, volume={14}, pages={729–739}, year={2025}, DOI={10.53424/balikesirsbd.1744734}, author={Taşdelen Baş, Melike and Özpulat, Funda}, keywords={Celiac disease, teachers, knowledge level, gluten, awareness}, abstract={Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge levels of primary, secondary, and high school teachers regarding celiac disease and to examine the demographic factors influencing these levels. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 246 teachers employed in public schools under the Ministry of National Education in a district situated in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys using a demographic information form and a Celiac Disease Knowledge Questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire’s reliability was supported by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.90. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: Participants demonstrated an overall moderate level of knowledge (7.52±4.09). Female teachers scored significantly higher than their male counterparts (p=0.003). Teachers aged between 37 and 51 had higher knowledge scores than other age groups (p=0.010). Those working as teachers had significantly higher scores compared to administrators (p=0.022). Participants who had previously heard of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity also showed significantly higher knowledge levels (p=0.011 and p <0.001). Conclusion: The findings reveal that teachers’ knowledge of celiac disease is heterogeneous, with notable gaps in even basic information. Increasing teacher awareness is essential for supporting the physical health and psychosocial well-being of students with celiac disease in school settings. It is recommended that teacher education programs incorporate content related to celiac disease and special dietary needs.}, number={3}, publisher={Balıkesir University}