Public Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Towards Celiac Disease in Children: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Celiac disease (CD) is an immune‐mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten‐containing cereals (wheat, barley, and rye); pure, uncontaminated oats are generally considered safe for most patients with CD. Adequate public knowledge, awareness, and positive attitudes toward CD are crucial for early diagnosis and effective management, particularly in children. Material and Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the capital of Northern Saudi Arabia to assess public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding CD in children. Data were collected using an online prevalidated questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. Results A total of 1011 participants were included, of whom 52.6% were aged 18–25 years. Poor awareness and knowledge were observed in 72.9% and 67.9% of participants, respectively. In comparison, 59.0% exhibited positive attitudes toward CD, and several items revealed frequent misconceptions about the nature and causes of the disease. Participants’ awareness of CD in children was significantly associated with age, marital status, and employment ( p < 0.001). Notably, 43.2% believed that local restaurants and cafes do not offer gluten‐free options. Logistic regression indicated that residence outside the capital of the Northern Border region (Arar) was associated with lower awareness (OR = 0.628, 95% CI: 0.437–0.904, p = 0.012). Moderate positive correlations were found between awareness and attitude ( r = 0.562, p < 0.001) and between awareness and knowledge. Conclusion Despite generally positive attitudes, public awareness and knowledge about CD in children remain inadequate in this region. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives to improve understanding and support for affected children and their families.