<b><i>Background:</i></b> Only a few studies have been done focusing on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as their family members. The aim of our research was to determine the factors that influence the QoL of MS patients in advanced stage of disease and their caregivers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The sample of the cross-sectional study included 153 patients with MS and 74 caregivers. QoL was measured using the PNDQoL questionnaire (Progressive Neurological Diseases Quality of Life), and the severity of illness was assessed through the following scales: EDSS (Expanded Disability Status scale), PPS (Palliative Performance Scale), and ADL (Activity Daily Living). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The following predictors of the global QoL of the MS patients were identified – age, EDSS, symptom burden, daily care, emotional functioning, and spiritual_nonreligion functioning (<i>R</i>² = 0.569; <i>F</i> = 32.900; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The following predictors of the global QoL of caregivers were identified – age, emotional functioning, spiritual_nonreligion functioning, patient’s QoL, and feeling of care (<i>R</i>² = 0.431; <i>F</i> = 18.690; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Appropriate intervention should be directed particularly at older patients and caregivers who have faced the disease for longer time and at patients without any partner. Supporting the emotional and social well-being and mitigating the burden caused by symptoms of the patients as well as caregivers can improve the QoL of both groups.

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The objective was to identify the attitudes of progressive neurological disease (PND) patients and their family members regarding end-of-life care, and their worries about dying. The sample included 327 participants. The Attitudes of Patients with PND to End-of-Life Care questionnaire was used to collect the data. Statistically significant differences in the assessment of attitudes towards end-of-life care between patients and family members were identified (p < 0.001). Family members more frequently favored patients being kept alive at any cost; patients more commonly wished to have their end of life under control. Respondents most frequently deferred to doctors when it came to decisions on treatment to keep patients alive. However, both patients and family members wanted patients to be able to decide on their treatment by leaving a written record of their previously stated wishes. The demands of patients and their families regarding end-of-life care should be documented in individual care plans.

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spine, 3 -rheumatoid polyarthritis and tuberculosis were present in 2 patients. The remaining 173 (94,02%) patients had a nonspecific cause of back pain associated with degenerative spinal disease and included low back pain -94 (54,33%), low back pain with nerve root pain suggestive of disk herniation 73 (42,2%), and low back pain with nerve root pain and lumbar spinal stenosis -6 (3,47%). When clarifying the anamnesis, it was revealed that the main initiating factor was inadequate physical activity and emotional stress.