Mobile Application for Celiac Disease Patients’ Wellness and Support

Celiac disease affects an estimated 1% of the population. The only existing treatment is a strict gluten-free diet but there are myriad aspects of managing the disease that affect the lifestyle of both the CD patient and those close to them. The goal of this study was to design, develop and test a prototype of a mobile application to promote wellness and support for individuals with CD. The proposed application’s aim is to serve as a platform for CD patients and members from their social circle, to help with sharing general and specific information about four lifestyle aspects: social, emotional, food, and wellness. The application aids with the management of a gluten-free diet from the social circle perspective for the specific CD patient. Perceptions towards the usability of the application were gathered from 22 participants and analyzed via a USE questionnaire. The results from the survey reported overall satisfaction of the prototype and useful insights were gathered for subsequent versions. The general expected benefit of this evidence-based application is improved quality of life for the CD patient due to their social circle being well informed about the management of the disease and its potential complications.