This is an innovative social media initiative to improve nutritional education for people with coeliac disease. (Autor: Aiora Madariaga Bilbao)
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed “GLUTLEARN,” a nutritional education programme through social networks that has proven effective in improving knowledge about coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet. This innovative project has recently been published in the journal Computers in Biology and Medicine and highlights the key role of social networks in the dissemination of reliable health information.
Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition that requires the strict elimination of gluten from the diet. However, the lack of rigorous information on the Internet and social networks makes it difficult to adhere to a gluten-free diet. Aware of this problem, the UPV/EHU’s research staff has designed “GLUTLEARN”, a six-week educational programme taught through Instagram, which has the collaboration of experts in nutrition and food safety and aims to respond to the need for reliable information.
A study of 93 people (63 with coeliac disease and 30 family members or carers) showed that the ‘GLUTLEARN’ educational programme significantly improved knowledge about coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet, increasing confidence in selecting safe foods and preventing cross-contact. 90.3% of the participants viewed more than 75% of the content and rated the programme very positively, while 83.9% considered such initiatives necessary to improve disease management, highlighting their usefulness in continuing education and empowerment of users.
Social networks as allies of health education
The results of the study support the use of social media as an effective tool for nutrition education in patients with CD. However, the researchers stress the importance of providing information with high scientific rigour and contrasted to avoid the spread of myths or misconceptions.
This pioneering project opens the door to new digital educational interventions targeting not only celiac patients, but also those who avoid gluten for other reasons or are involved in the care of people with CD.
