| Abstract [eng] |
This paper takes a comprehensive approach toward multiple sclerosis (MS), a frequent neurological disease causing significant disability. For the first time in Lithuania, country-wide MS incidence data of the last 15 years is presented, and the determined incidence rate change provides a possibility to predict MS’s incidence trends. The data of the past 10 years, gathered during repeat assessments of disability, collected on a national level and provided by the government institutions, made it possible to conduct the first ever analysis of the changing trends in the working capacity level of MS patients. Evaluation of employment and life expectancy predictions were performed. Based on modern diagnostic tests, the levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression experienced by 184 MS patients were examined; the cognitive functions and quality of life of these patients were also assessed too. It was the first time that a disability assessment used an ICF questionnaire for MS, including such factors as changes in MS patients’ body functions and structure, restrictions of activity and participation, and the impact of environmental factors. The results of this comprehensive study made it possible to establish links between certain psychosocial factors and both the assessment of the initial working capacity level and its annual change. The results of the study could be helpful for a timely and more objective assessment of disability of MS patients, while the ICF, used for the assessment of biopsychosocial factors, will open new possibilities in assessing the working capacity level. |
