Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to celiac disease among adults in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. Public awareness of CD is essential for early diagnosis, appropriate dietary management, and improved health outcomes. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to celiac disease among adults in Jordan and identify factors associated with KAP levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults residing in Jordan between March and May 2026. Data were collected using self-administered online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and KAP regarding celiac disease. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of KAP scores. A total of 769 participants were included (mean age: 40.5 ± 11.7 years; 79.6% female). Among participants, 78.7% had previously heard of celiac disease, with friends and family being the main source of information (51.6%). The mean knowledge score was 7.81 ± 4.01 out of 15 (52.1%), indicating poor knowledge. The mean attitude score was 59.61 ± 7.34 out of 75 (79.5%), reflecting moderate attitudes, whereas the mean practice score was 7.69 ± 4.09 out of 14 (54.9%), indicating moderate practices. Important knowledge gaps were identified regarding diagnostic procedures, extraintestinal manifestations, and the autoimmune nature of celiac disease. Most participants supported the availability of gluten-free options in restaurants (88%) and schools (88%), although practices related to preventing gluten cross-contamination remained suboptimal. Family history of celiac disease was significantly associated with higher knowledge, attitude, and practice scores (all p < 0.001). Female sex, higher educational attainment, and higher income were associated with better knowledge and/or attitudes whereas older age and male sex were associated with lower practice scores. Although awareness of celiac disease is relatively common among participants in Jordan, important knowledge gaps and suboptimal gluten-related practices persist. Targeted public education initiatives, improved healthcare counseling, and enhanced support for gluten-free dietary management are needed to improve early recognition and appropriate management of celiac disease within the Jordanian community.