What explains functioning from the perspective of people with multiple sclerosis?

Abstract

The Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for MS was developed to capture functioning in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This study examined whether categories in the Brief ICF Core Set for MS best capture different levels of functioning in pwMS. We used data of a multicenter cross-sectional study collected from 205 pwMS using the ICF categories of the MS-specific WHO ICF Checklist and the individual rating of functioning. ICF categories to be entered in an initial regression model were selected following a systematic procedure in accordance with the ICF structure. Based on the initial regression model using stepwise Ordinary Least-Squares regression analyses, additional models were designed by substituting the ICF categories in final model. The selected set of categories was compared with the Brief ICF Core Set for MS. Eleven ICF categories were identified that best differentiate among different levels of functioning. Four were part of the Brief ICF Core Set. ICF categories identified in this study may be used as outcome measures in further study, parameters to monitor functioning along the continuum of health care and lifespan, and to define different subgroups of pwMS.

Neurological, physical and sociodemographic correlates of employment in multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis

“…The findings support the need for a multi-professional approach in designing and delivering effective vocational rehabilitation interventions for job-seekers and employees with MS. Such interventions should focus on improving and managing disease-related impairments, limitations or restrictions in line with patient-expressed participation goals (Conrad et al, 2014;Yorkston et al, 2003). This might incorporate a counselling or guidance focus in addition to onthe-job support (especially via workplace supervisors), assistive technology services and job placement (Chiu et al, 2013(Chiu et al, , 2015bJulian et al, 2008).…”

Factors affecting social functioning of persons with multiple sclerosis

“…Rezultati našeg istraživanja pokazuju da najveći broj ljudi ima teškoće prilikom menjanja osnovnog položaja, izvršavanja rutinskih dnevnih aktivnosti, rekreaciji i slobodnom vremenu i kretanju po različitim lokacijama. U studiji Andrea Conrad i saradnika (2014) [20], koja je ispitivala 41 domen u oblasti "aktivnosti i učešće" nađeni su neki zajednički rezultati. Utvrđeno je da izvršavanje rutinskih dnevnih aktivnosti (d 220) je bila poteškoća bilo kog stepena (blaga, umerena, znatna i potpuna poteškoća) za 41 %, dok je naše istraživanje pokazalo da je ovaj segment teškoća za približno sličan procenat ispitanika.…”

“…Rekeracija i slobodno vreme je bila teškoća za čak 90 % ispitanika što je značajno više od naše studije (43,52 %). Vrlo je teško porediti razlike u istraživanjima u različim zemljama jer svaka sredina ima svoje specifičnosti, ali i ispratiti karakteristike ispitanika [20].…”

“…Upravo zbog ovog, drugi segment našeg istraživačkog rada odnosio se na samopercepciju obolelih od MS o stepenu podrške ljudi iz okruženja. Rezultat ukazuje da najveću podršku za obolele od MS predstavljaju članovi uže porodice, što je potvrđeno i u drugim sličnim studijama [20].…”