Paper Title
IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION IN ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES (KAP) ON MILLET CONSUMPTION AMONG ADULTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE

Abstract
Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that requires lifelong adherence to gluten-free diet. Limited awareness and misconceptions often hinder effective management, while the underutilization of naturally gluten-free and nutrient-rich millets, such as finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), further restrict dietary diversity. The present study aimed to assess the impact of educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of adults with celiac disease regarding both CeD management and millet consumption. A pre–post survey was conducted among 80 adults aged 18–50 years using a validated structured questionnaire. Baseline results revealed considerable gaps, with only 55% identifying CeD as an autoimmune disorder and 40% recognizing millets as gluten-free. Following the intervention, awareness significantly improved, with 90% correctly identifying CeD as autoimmune and 85% acknowledging the gluten-free nature of millets. Positive attitudes also increased, as agreement on millets being a healthy replacement for wheat rose from 48.8% to 77.5%, while willingness to adopt millet-based recipes improved from 56.3% to 91.3%. Practical behaviors reflected similar gains, with daily millet consumption increasing from 26.3% to 42.5% and gluten-free label checking from 86.3% to 97.5%. The findings demonstrate that structured education is effective in bridging knowledge gaps, improving attitudes, and promoting sustainable millet-based dietary practices, thereby enhancing disease management and nutritional adequacy for individuals with celiac disease. Keywords - Celiac disease, Finger millet, Pearl millet, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Educational intervention, Gluten-free diet.