The Strategies of Picture Books as a Mode of Health Communication for Young Children with Coeliac Disease

Background/Objectives: Coeliac disease, a chronic and lifelong health condition, is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. However, it is also one of the most under-recognised conditions, and support is especially lacking for young children and their families who are coping with this disease. Effective health communication is essential for educating and supporting children living with coeliac disease, as well as their families and communities. Picture books can serve as useful and accessible educational and health promotion tools promoting adaptive coping strategies for dealing with a potentially traumatic condition. Methods: This study aimed to fill a critical gap in the literature by examining a range of picture books (n = 9) aimed at children three to eight years of age diagnosed with coeliac disease. Reflective thematic and structural narrative analyses were applied to explore strategies and themes used in these books, and how they align with the current literature on developing coping through children’s narratives. Results: Four themes were developed and measured against an existing model of coping narratives to find a more specific model that recognises the specific concerns of coeliac disease. The four themes found were: Information Provision; Promotion of CD Management; Anxiety and Hypervigilance Reduction with two subthemes of Validating Feelings and Reducing Concerns; and Community and Connection. Conclusions: The findings have likely implications for the following applications: incorporation into clinician training (as a therapeutic and health promotion intervention), support within schools, authors of similar books for children coping with chronic illness, and coping approaches for individuals/families to promote health literacy/support regarding living with coeliac disease.