2020, January 9
Gluten disease can now be determined using a mobile app
2020, January 9
Share this articleScientists from NU and the UK have developed the first mobile application that uses a short questionnaire to determine the risk of celiac disease.
Dr. Aizhan Kozhakhmetova, Assistant professor in the Department of Biology at the School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Korlan Zhumabekova and Nurdaulet Kenges, graduate students at the Computer Science Program at the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) have developed the CeliacTest© mobile application. It is noteworthy that the project was implemented on a voluntary basis without funding and is now available on Google Play Market for Android.
"Gluten disease is a complex immune-mediated gluten intolerance that leads to debilitating problems with the intestines, bones, the thyroid, and other organs. The variety of clinical manifestations and low awareness make it difficult to diagnose at an early stage to avoid adverse effects while the disease is fairly common, occurring in 1-2% of the population. Nevertheless, almost 90% of cases still remain undetected," said Dr. Aizhan Kozhakhmetova, Assistant professor at SSH.
People with confirmed celiac disease can use the application forum and access to an online medical consultant. Those users who find themselves in a high-risk group can receive recommendations for blood tests. In addition, the application allows users to find comprehensive information on celiac disease, related conditions, diagnosis, and treatment. The built-in directory contains useful information about doctors, medical centers, gluten-free restaurants and supermarkets available in Kazakh cities.
Moreover, in a separate section of scientific news, the developers plan to publish information on current local and international research, including those that are looking for voluntary participants. The application has been developed so far only in Russian, but in the near future it will be translated into Kazakh and English, will include an updated glossary and list of medical professionals and services, and become available for iOS users, as well.
Contacts for cooperation: +77772680180, email: celiactestinfo@gmail.com.
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