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.

Background Persons with ID most often have incomplete, contradictory and imprecise knowledge of sexuality and sexual intercourse itself. They are not provided with sufficient information on their own body and sexuality, and are often discouraged from and sanctioned for trying to sexually express themselves. Sexual abuse due to low sexual assertiveness is also common. Aim The principal aim of this study was to establish the presence or absence of sexual activity in adults with ID residing in institutional housing, as well as the level and structure of their knowledge of sexuality, their sexual assertiveness and preparedness to react in a sexually dangerous situation. Methods The sample consisted of 100 participants with ID residing in institutional housing. The instruments used included the General Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire, What-if test and Hulbert index of sexual assertiveness. Comparative statistics included coefficient of linear correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results The results showed that 82% of the participants are sexually active. Most participants admitted to sometimes having sexual intercourse against their wishes as well as to having difficulty asserting themselves. Their knowledge of pregnancy, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases was very low. Female participants and those that reported having sexual intercourse had more sexual knowledge and were also more sexually assertive. Conclusion Knowledge of sexuality and sexual assertiveness of persons with ID residing in institutional housing is very low. Additional information on sexuality is necessary, as well as support in learning to express their own desires and to deal with unwanted sexual activity.

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Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects everyday functioning of individuals with MS, and their family dynamics. Furthermore, MS is a chronic disease with unpredictable course imposing a stressful experience on the entire family. Changes in family functioning patterns are necessary so that they can appropriately respond to complex demands imposed by the disease. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate predictive values of family resources in the encounter with stressful life events and family adaptation. These data are required to provide adequate family support systems. Methods: The sample consisted of 62 people with MS. The following instruments were used: Family Adaptation Scale, Family Social Support Index, Financial Well-Being Scale, and Family Problem Solving Communication Scale. Results: The results of this research indicate that subjective assessment of the quality of family relationships, measures of the quality of family communication (β = 0.353, P < 0.001), and measures of perceived family social support (β = 0.272, P < 0.05) are the only predictors of successful family adaptation. Conclusions: The results infer that the processes essential for successful adaptation of people with MS occurs within their nuclear family. Therefore, adaptation to accidental crisis created by MS onset can be promoted by strengthening support and communication within the nuclear family.

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.