In the context of evolving perceptions of sexuality, particularly within the realm of health and disability, this study investigates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexual function and quality of life. A quantitative study involving 130 female MS patients aged 35 to 50 was conducted, employing measures such as The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results indicate a significant association between greater sexual dysfunction and poorer quality of sex life, alongside the correlation of increased fatigue with diminished sexual satisfaction. Specifically, the mean FSFI score was 20.8 (SD = 9.36), with 83.8% of participants experiencing severe fatigue (FSS score ≥ 36). Sexual dysfunction demonstrated a strong, negative correlation with all FSFI subscales (p < 0.01). Factors such as education level (p = 0.016), time of diagnosis (p = 0.035), and treatment regimen (p = 0.041) also significantly influenced outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions, including counseling, to enhance the quality of sex life for women with disabilities, particularly those with MS.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Greece, focusing on estimating prevalence and identifying regional disparities in children aged 4 to 7 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory methodology, the research employed a structured questionnaire to gather extensive maternal and child health data. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 517 mothers of children diagnosed with ASD from all over Greece, contributing to a nuanced understanding of ASD predictors. This study aims to elucidate the role of prenatal factors in the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis and their impact on the subsequent functionality of children with ASD. The study identified significant predictors of lower functionality in children with ASD, including higher maternal age, delayed ASD diagnosis, lower family income, and higher birth order. Prenatal health issues, such as vaginal bleeding and infections, also influenced functional outcomes. Notably, a family history of neurological or psychiatric conditions appeared protective. DISCUSSION: The regression model demonstrated robust predictive power, underscoring the complexity of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors in ASD development. The findings advocate for early diagnosis and intervention, systematic screening, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to improve functional outcomes. The results support evidence-based service development and policy adjustments to enhance early identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing standardized case-recording procedures and an ASD register at national and regional levels is recommended for systematic monitoring and resource evaluation.

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent social-communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. While genetic factors play a major role, prenatal environmental exposures may also contribute. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes, but its association with ASD remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar up to September 2025. Eligible observational studies evaluated maternal active smoking during pregnancy and ASD diagnosis in offspring. Effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model and expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was quantified using I², with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed. Results: Twenty-one studies including several million mother–child pairs met the inclusion criteria. The pooled RR for ASD associated with maternal smoking was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.95–1.08), indicating no significant association. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, with no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Maternal smoking during pregnancy does not appear to increase ASD risk in offspring. Nevertheless, smoking cessation remains critical due to established adverse fetal effects.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that commonly affects women during their reproductive years, influencing fertility and family planning decisions. This study explores the psychological, social, and medical factors associated with reproductive choices in women with MS. Objectives: To identify factors influencing reproductive choices in women with MS and assess the role of psychological, social, and disease-related variables in fertility decision. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 women diagnosed with MS, recruited from specialized clinics and support groups. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing social support, psychological well-being, relationship dynamics, reproductive motivation, and quality of life. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of childbearing. Results: Women with relapsing-remitting MS (73.9%) were significantly more likely to have children than those with progressive forms (p = 0.001), while those using fingolimod (100%) remained childless (p = 0.008). Higher mental health scores (p = 0.035) and fatalistic motivation (p = 0.005) were associated with childbearing, while increased health-related concerns (p = 0.006) were more prevalent among mothers. Marital status (p = 0.001) was a significant factor, with all unmarried women being childless. However, logistic regression analysis did not identify any single independent predictor of childbearing (p > 0.05), suggesting that reproductive decisions are influenced by multiple interrelated factors rather than a single dominant variable. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex interplay of disease progression, psychological resilience, and treatment choices in reproductive decisions among women with MS. Findings emphasize the need for individualized reproductive counseling, considering both medical and psychosocial factors. Future research should incorporate longitudinal studies to better understand the evolving reproductive trajectories of women with MS.

In the context of evolving perceptions of sexuality, particularly within the realm of health and disability, this study investigates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexual function and quality of life. A quantitative study involving 130 female MS patients aged 35 to 50 was conducted, employing measures such as The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results indicate a significant association between greater sexual dysfunction and poorer quality of sex life, alongside the correlation of increased fatigue with diminished sexual satisfaction. Factors such as education level, time of diagnosis, and treatment regimen also influenced outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions, including counseling, to enhance the quality of sex life for women with disabilities, particularly those with MS.

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent social-communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. While genetic factors play a major role, prenatal environmental exposures may also contribute. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes, but its association with ASD remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar up to September 2025. Eligible observational studies evaluated maternal active smoking during pregnancy and ASD diagnosis in offspring. Effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model and expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was quantified using I², with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed. Results: Twenty-one studies including several million mother–child pairs met inclusion criteria. The pooled RR for ASD associated with maternal smoking was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.95–1.08), indicating no significant association. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, with no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Maternal smoking during pregnancy does not appear to increase ASD risk in offspring. Nevertheless, smoking cessation remains critical due to established adverse fetal effects.