Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in a wide range of disabilities. The effects of cognitive and motor dysfunctions are significant and affect level of functioning in people with MS. Objective: The aim of the research was to determine the common contribution of neurological, motor and cognitive status to the overall functioning of MS patients. Method: The sample consisted of 108 subjects with RRMS. The instruments used in the research included: The General Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, the Nine Hole Peg Test, the 25 Foot Walk Test, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results: Subjects with a mild neurological deficit had a higher level of current functioning in all domains (a lower WHODAS 2.0 score) than subjects with a moderate neurological deficit (r=0.43, p<0.001). We found a positive correlation between the level of cognitive impairment and motor deficits of both upper and lower extremities and the level of neurological deficit (p<0.001). Subjects with lower neurological deficits had significantly lower WHODAS 2.0. scores, i.e. better motor abilities of both upper and lower extremities than subjects with moderate neurological deficits (p<0.001). The greatest contribution to explaining the overall level of current functioning of people with MS had subjects’ age, cognitive abilities and motor abilities of the upper extremities. Conclusion: Inverse relationship of neurological, motor and cognitive status affects the overall daily functioning of people with MS, requiring planning of comprehensive programs in the rehabilitation of people with MS.

Children with disabilities are at an increased risk of being less likely to participate when compared to their typically developing peers. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of participation in the home, preschool and community setting between typically developing children and children with disabilities. The survey comprised 203 children aged one to five years. The general questionnaire (used for identifying socio-demographic characteristics of sample) and a standardized questionnaire assessing Young Children’s Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM) were used for data collection. Results suggest that the groups of children with and without disabilities significantly differ in the frequency of participation in preschool, so the incidence of participation of children with disabilities is lower than the incidence of participation among typically developing children. These data can further contribute to the creation of customized support programs in line with the needs of both children and parents.

Introduction. Regular follow-up and support of people with multiple sclerosis in finding and keeping employment may enable them to stay employed longer and have better quality of work life, financial security, and a higher degree of social participation. The objective of this study was to determine the work status and factors that may affect work engagement of people with multiple sclerosis. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and included 108 subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, aged 18 - 65 years, using the expanded disability status scale, 0 - 5.5. The data were collected using a General questionnaire and the multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire. Results. Out of 108 subjects, only 37 were employed or had been retired for less than three years, which were the criteria for filling out the multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire (in Serbian). Our results showed that subjects perceived cognitive difficulties and movement/mobility difficulties as the main factors affecting their work performance. Conclusion. The analysis of environmental factors and factors affecting work engagement of people with multiple sclerosis showed that other factors affected their work more than their personal preferences or the disease itself.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the application of the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen (ARCS) in cognitive functioning screening of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) differentiates profiles of existing cognitive deficits (CDs) and whether this instrument can discriminate accurately between subjects who are cognitively intact (CI) and those with a cognitive disorder. Subjects and Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 359 subjects, with two subsets of participants: 108 persons with a relapsing-remitting form of MS and 251 persons from the general population. Results: We labeled the three profiles obtained by applying the ARCS questionnaire: the CI profile, the profile of CI with visuospatial difficulties, and the profile of persons with CD. Conclusion: ARCS has the ability to differentiate persons with a CD from those without, both in a sample of persons suffering from MS and in a sample of persons from the general population. This finding indicates that this instrument is well suited for profiling the cognitive status into specific categories, which puts it among the instruments with a wide range of implementation.

Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal