Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported celiac disease diagnosis among adults recruited in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Despite its global prevalence of approximately 1%, CD remains substantially underdiagnosed, particularly in the Middle East. Community-level data on CD knowledge and attitudes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are scarce. To describe the proportion of survey respondents reporting a healthcare-provider diagnosis of CD and to assess CD-related knowledge, perceptions, and perceived barriers among adults recruited in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2026 among adults (aged > = 18 years) in the UAE using online (REDCap) and paper-based surveys. Knowledge was assessed using an 11-item measure, while the seven perception-related items were summarized descriptively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of good knowledge. A total of 445 non-healthcare-professional participants were included. The proportion reporting a healthcare-provider diagnosis of CD was 6.7% (95% CI: 4.8–9.5%); this reflects the survey sample and should not be interpreted as a population prevalence estimate. Approximately one-third of participants demonstrated good knowledge, with a mean knowledge score of 5.05/11 (95% CI: 4.80–5.31). Female sex (aOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.59–5.61), self-reported CD diagnosis (aOR = 5.17; 95% CI: 1.79–16.84), and having a first-degree relative with CD (aOR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.68–6.74) were independently associated with good knowledge. Respondents also reported perceived barriers related to the affordability, availability, and accessibility of gluten-free options. Important gaps in CD-related knowledge and perceived environmental barriers were identified among surveyed adults in the UAE. The findings support targeted public education and practical measures to improve gluten-free food labelling, affordability, and access.