Aim of the Study:

To investigate factors associated with the onset and progression of celiac disease (CD) in the pediatric population.

Objectives:

Objective 1:
To estimate the seroprevalence of celiac disease among children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, severe anemia, stunting, poor growth, or malnutrition.
Hypothesis: The prevalence of celiac disease in symptomatic children is high.

Objective 2:
To identify risk factors associated with celiac disease through a case-control study involving children with clinically confirmed CD and healthy, age- and gender-matched controls.
Hypothesis: Birth history and early nutritional factors significantly contribute to the risk of developing celiac disease.

Objective 3:
To assess the role of diet in determining the severity of celiac disease among children with confirmed CD.
Hypothesis: Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds experience more severe forms of celiac disease due to inadequate dietary patterns.