Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the district of Sumadija (central part of Serbia). Methods: All persons suffering from MS, with permanent residence in the region, were recruited. Prevalence was calculated on December 31, 2006, according to a standard procedure. Results: On December 31, 2006, one hundred ninety-four patients (72 males and 122 females) were found to have MS. We found a crude MS prevalence of 64.9/100,000 (49.3/100,000 for males and 79.9/ 100,000 for females). The highest prevalence rates were registered in the age group of 30–39 years for females and 40–49 years for males, although the age-specific rates were higher in females in all age groups. The mean age at onset was 34.2 ± 9.3 years. The average duration of MS was 8.9 ± 6.2 years. The median EDSS score was 3.9 ± 2.0. The course of MS was relapsing-remitting in 63.9% of patients, secondary progressive in 32.5%, and primary progressive in 3.6%. At MS onset, motor symptoms were present in 70.1% of patients, sensory in 40.7%, cerebellar in 21.1%, brainstem in 15.5%, visual in 22.2%, and bowel/bladder disturbances in 22.2%. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the MS prevalence registered in the Serbian district Sumadija is similar to that of other surrounding areas in Southeastern Europe.
Background: Patients with oncological diseases often have mental disorders in the form of comorbidity. The aim of this study was to research the association of cancer with the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in primary health care patients.
Methods: This prospective observational study done in 2020 included adult users of health care at the Health Center Trstenik, Central Serbia, aged 19 and over, both sexes, with a diagnosis of oncological disease. A research instrument to assess depressive symptoms is used PHQ-9 (The Patient Health Questionnaire) questionnaire, derived from PRIME MD- and (The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders), and the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI) to register the presence of certain anxiety symptoms.
Results: The largest percentage of patients had symptoms of mild (27.2%) or moderate depression (22%), while 18% reported symptoms of major depression. The level of depression was higher in older subjects, in the presence of chronic diseases with greater limitations of activity and the presence of difficulties in performing daily activities, with a more pronounced effect of pain on activity, the presence of stress. All subjects were characterized as persons with severe anxiety (score 26-63). The level of anxiety was higher in older respondents, in the presence of long-term illness, with greater limitations of activities and difficulties in performing daily activities, with a more pronounced influence of pain on performing activities and the influence of the media.
Conclusion: Caring for the mental health of cancer patients must occupy a significant part of each country's national health policy.
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