Zhijun Chen

Ms. Zhijun Chen

Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 October 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ALAnne Lee
Anne Lee
PZPatricia Zybert
Patricia Zybert
ZCZhijun Chen
Zhijun Chen
JLJessica Lebovits
Jessica Lebovits
RWRandi Wolf
Randi Wolf
PGPeter Green
Peter Green
Background: The only treatment for Celiac Disease (CeD), which affects about 1% of the population, is a gluten-free diet (GFD). Studies have indicated an association between the GFD, a diminished quality of life (QOL), and maladaptive eating patterns. This study aims to explore food avoidance behaviors in adults with CeD. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 50 adults with biopsy-confirmed CeD who completed validated surveys evaluating demographics, psychological factors, QOL, eating pathology, and food avoidance. Results: Overall CDQOL scores were good (mean: 62.7 out of 100). However, 58.0% of the participants self-elected to avoid one or more additional foods without diagnosed allergies or intolerances. Those avoiding one or more other foods had lower QOL scores (57.4 (23.2) vs. 70.2 (15.9)) compared to those only avoiding gluten (p = 0.034). The mean depression score (CESD) for the group avoiding foods beyond gluten was in the depressive range, unlike those avoiding only gluten (16.0 (4.9) vs. 13.6 (4.0), p = 0.078), with 77% of those avoiding more than gluten scoring above the CESD cut-off point of 15, indicating clinical depression. Conclusions: Over half of participants (58%) reported avoiding additional foods beyond the GFD, a behavior associated with decreased QOL and increased depression.

14 October 2026 in Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
ZCZhijun Chen
Zhijun Chen
ALAnne R. Lee
Anne R. Lee
PKPamela Koch
Pamela Koch
BLBenjamin Lebwohl
Benjamin Lebwohl
PGPeter H. R. Green
Peter H. R. Green
RWRandi L. Wolf
Randi L. Wolf