Susanne Roos

Studies showed that females with coeliac disease had a comparatively lower sense of wellbeing than males with the disease and that females with treated coeliac disease sought more health care than females without the disease. Studies also showed that the sense of wellbeing of females with coeliac disease was affected by: whether they had many gastrointestinal symptoms; a negative self-image; and, the incidence of other illnesses. Females with coeliac disease also seem to have many other ongoing ailments and complaints. The final sub-study showed that living with an illness such as coeliac disease is complex and that it affects all facets of life – the past, the present and thoughts of the future. One constant finding was an anxiety felt by these females, especially when socialising.

To summarise, these studies showed that the traditional way of treating coeliac disease with a strict gluten-free diet to maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa was not sufficient for all females with coeliac disease to enjoy full health and wellbeing. In my research group, we have now undertaken a major questionnaire survey in Östergötland. It has gone out to a large number of people and relates to their present lives and whether “life events” may have affected the onset of coeliac disease. Studying what life is like with coeliac disease and what the people themselves feel may have triggered the disease can be important in planning health care for this group. I have also taken part in research into other gastrointestinal diseases, e.g. IBS. My research areas and interests are primarily gastrointestinal. However, I’m also involved in studies of patient satisfaction in emergency care.

I am also involved in studies pertaining to patient as well as compliance with medical treatment after a stomach operation.

My research is primarily of a quantitative nature.