New research is shedding light on the potential impact demographics may have on celiac disease risk.

A study of children born in Sweden from 1987 to 1993 looked for associations between socioeconomic and geographical factors and celiac disease rates in children under age 2. The researchers found that low socioeconomic position (SEP) was associated with celiac disease in boys, but not girls. “Geographical area of residence” also seemed to be linked to celiac disease risk, the researchers added.

The researchers stressed that while socioeconomic and geographic factors appeared to have some influence on celiac disease rates, the reasons for such associations were not clear.

This is the second study to address socioeconomic factors and celiac disease this year. Last May, NFCA Medical Advisory Board member Dr. Daniel Leffler presented research that suggests income plays a role in celiac disease diagnosis. According to his team’s findings, people with higher income are more likely to get diagnosed, while those with lower income are more likely to go undiagnosed.

For more on the Swedish study, read the abstract.

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