The right to inclusive education for children with disabilities in the Republic of North Macedonia: opportunities and challenges

A child is a member of a vulnerable group in societies. Children's rights are equal for all children and they cannot be denied, because they are a birthright. However, throughout the world, children with disabilities and their families constantly experience a barrier in regard to the enjoyment of their basic human rights and to their inclusion in society. Their abilities are overlooked, their capacities are underestimated and their needs are given low priority. The barriers they face are more frequently a result of the environment in which they live rather than a result of their impairment. The situation began to change only when requirements to include disabled children in the education system were introduced in legislation. Following the example of other countries worldwide, the Republic of North Macedonia introduced inclusion of children with disabilities in the mainstream educational process, because the right to education is a right for all children, including the ones with special educational needs. For this purpose, the Republic of North Macedonia implemented a series of changes in the educational system for successful inclusion of children with special educational needs. Hence, the main aim of our paper is to represent the actual situation in Macedonian schools regarding the problem of educational inclusion of students with disabilities in the regular school system. The research methods are based on document studies and case studies about changes in social and educational policies for students with disabilities and special educational needs who are included in primary and secondary education. At the same time we shall present some guidelines for teachers who work with these children and future directions for a proper inclusion system in the Republic of North Macedonia, because every child has a fundamental right to education and must be given the opportunity to achieve and reach an acceptable level of learning. In this frame, school societies try to support full participation of students with disabilities in areas of their lives on equal terms, conditions, social justice and basic human rights

The Therapeutic Effects of Lithium in Affective Disorders

Objective The main objective of this research was to explore the psychopathological aspects of affective disorder and the clinical effects of pharmacological treatment with lithium. Materials and Methods: The study involved 40 patientsts (26 females, 14 males) with an average age 45,5 years, hospitalized in the Psychiatric Hospital in Skopje and the Department of Psychiatry of Clinical Hospital in Tetovo, with a clinical diagnosis of affective disorder. The diagnosis of affective disorder is set against the classification DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorder). All subjects were under pharmacological treatment with lithium carbonats whose dose depends of the clinical subentitet, the beginning and duration of the disorder. Clinical-laboratory examinations included: history and clinical status, determination of serum lithium concentration. The serum lithium concentrations were measured by Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) with the COBAS/INTEGRA 700 analyzer. Results: The results of the research show us that patient with acute phase of mania had higher concentration of lithium in serum compared with patients with bipolar affective psychosis. Also the patients who received combination theraoy (lithium/neuroleptic or antidepressant) mean values of lithium in serum range 1,89 mmol/L compared to patients who only used lithium whose mean values are 0,82 mmol/L. Pearson correlation between two groups was significantly significant at the level of 0,01. Conclusions: With the regular and continued use of lithium in affective disorders and good co-operation with the patient during the therapy could be reduced the relapses of the disease and improved the quality of life of the person. Key words: affective dosprder, lithium therapy, quality of lif

Association between Bulimia Nervosa, Body Mass Index and Depression in Period of Puberty

Background: Obesity is a condition in which fat accumulates to the extent of having adverse effects on health. Overweight and obesity cause serious problems to health and once a high body mass index (BMI) is an important risk factor for variety of chronic conditions. Obese children and adolescents are openly discriminated in their professional and academic lives, increasing the risk for the development of psychiatric conditions in this population, such as depression, anxiety disorders or eating behaviors.  Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the association between bulimia nervosa, body mass index and depression symptoms in the period of puberty.Methods: The survey was conducted among 401 adolescents (229 boys and 172 girls), aged between 13-15 years, in secondary schools in Pristine, Republic of Kosovo using the Eating Attitudes Test – EAT-26 and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). At the same time we calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI): a parameter defines as the ration of human body weight and height. Results: Of the total number of students who filled survey (401) the highest percentage (57%) had BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 while 172 (43%) had BMI of 18.5-25kg/m2. According to the EAT-26, 378 (95%) students had a EAT score indicating a possible diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. At the same time there was positive and significant relationships between body mass index, bulimic symptoms and depression at the level of p<.01.Conclusions: The current findings suggest that bulimic pathology is a great factor for depression among adolescents. Keywords: Obesity, Body Mass Index, Depression, Treatment, Puberty

CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS AND THE GENDER OF THE YOUNG PERSON

The concept of the professional orientation means to care and help for the young person in deciding about the professional orientation in which he or she will develop considerably his/her working capabilities while a complete rationalization in the creating and expressing of the personality will be achieved. It is known that while the choice is made, which is important for the whole life there is a many factors that influence the person. Reaching the decision is especially difficult for the eight – graders, because they are in the period of developing in which the exterior factors have a major influence while they are making their decision about their future job (work).The basic aim of this research was to be seen if the professional orientation of students depends on their gender. The research is performed on samples of 67 students (examinees) from the eighth grade in several primary schools in Gostivar. The basic mean (instrument) that was used in the research was a Test of Professional Interests (TPI). The results of our research have shown that the greater number of the male students’ choice was A category (mechanical work) and G category (administration) while the female students were mostly interested in category I (social-medicinal work) and category H (educational and cultural work). The level of correlation between the gender and the professional interests is a level of significance of 0,01.The results confirm that professional interests and the selection of the future job (work) of the eight–graders depend on their gender, but also it depends on their personality and the exterior factors

SELF-IMAGE IN CHILDREN OF DIVORCED PARENTS

The family and its important role in the development of the child is the inspiration for many types of research that have the intention to emphasize certain aspects of family life and the consequences of the family relations in the development of the children.The issue of this research is to find out if there is a connection between the conflict in the family, the divorce of the parents and self-concept in the children of early school age. The research is conducted on 30 children of single-parent families. The children of these single-parent families are children who have lived in families with conflicts and they have been direct or indirect participants in the conflict of the divorced parents.In the process of research, we applied projective techniques: Machover which consists of drawing a person’s figure, as well as a drawing a house and a tree-HTP (House-Tree-Person).The results are obtained through qualitative analysis and interpretation of each drawing particularly.During the investigation the relation between the variables, it is confirmed that there is a considerable connection between the conflict in the family, the divorce of the parents and the self-concept in children. It is confirmed, during the process that the children of divorced parents from negative self-concept. In children of single-parent families it is indicated that this group of children in relation to the psychological picture for themselves presented the following characteristics: lowered EGO, mechanisms for defense, feeling of insecurity, low self-confidence, aggressiveness, great virility, and caution

Coronavirus COVID-19 disease, mental: health and psychosocial support

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a particular and rare situation. COVID-19 has affected and is likely to affect people from many countries, in many geographical locations. We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, with cities and even entire countries shutting down. The coronavirus has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, from school to work, to sports, to where we eat and what we do. All these changes affected people physically, but also psychologically. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious, and depressed due to the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus. Hence, the main aim of our paper is to explore the linkage between the coronavirus COVID-19 disease and mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety and depression. Everyone may experience fear of the consequences of the infection with a potentially fatal new virus, and might experience mental stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression. Based on experience from past global serious viral experiences, the development and implementation of mental health assessment, support, treatment, and services are crucial and pressing goals for the health response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Human beings have an incredible ability to adapt and survive, through altruistic and co-operative means. So for each one of us is important to look after ourselves and each other

The Correlation between Depression, Anxiety and Treatment Motivation in Patients with Affective Disorder

Background: The relationship between affective disorder and symptoms of anxiety and depression is very complex. Although a variety of self-report measures are beginning to be utilized to access anxiety and depression in patients with affective disorder. Also evidence shows that individuals with affective disorder experience better functioning and reduced symptom if they follow recommended psychiatric treatment. Learning to live with a continuous, episodic illness is a huge challenge for people with bipolar disorder and their family. Objective: The relationship between affective disorder and symptoms of anxiety and depression is very complex. Although a variety of self-report measures are beginning to be utilized to access anxiety and depression in patients with affective disorder. Also evidence shows that individuals with affective disorder experience better functioning and reduced symptom if they follow recommended psychiatric treatment Methods: The study involved 80 patients (32 males, 48 females) with an average age 44,5 years, hospitalized in the Psychiatric Hospital in Skopje and the Department of Psychiatry of Clinical Hospital in Tetovo, with a clinical diagnosis of affective disorder. The diagnosis of affective disorder is set against the classification DSM – V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder). All subjects were under adequate psychopharmacological treatment. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ) were applied to the entire population. Results: From the results it is evidenced that the patients with affective disorder have higher scores on the HAM-A and HAM-D. The correlation was positively significant at the level of 0.01. Also there was significant relationship between treatment motivation and the type of disorder (F, 2, 77 = 11.902; p<0.00). Conclusions: Depression and anxiety are common in patients with affective disorder and can interfere with their response to treatment. Key words: Affective Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Treatment Motivation, Quality of Lif

Haematological Profile of Healthy Workers Exposed to Low Dose Radiation

Background: Long-term exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation may affect cells and tissues and result to various adverse health effects. Objective: To compare the haematological profile such as (red blood cell count, haemoglobin or hematocrit levels, white blood cell count and platelet count) of medical imaging and therapeutic technologists and controls selected from medical hospitals in Kumanovo and Skopje. Method: The study was performed on 140 subjects including 70 persons working with X-ray machines as the case group and 70 unexposed individual as the control. Complete blood cell count was performed with a haematology cell counter (Hem count 50L, Deutschland).Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Mean values of hematocrit - HCT, mean cell haemoglobin - MCH, red cell distribution width - RDW, white blood cell –WBC, platelets – PLT, plateletcrit – PCT and platelet distribution width - PDW have shown significant difference from the control group. The mean MCH, PLT, PCT and PDW were higher, while HCT, RDW, WBC, granulocytes and neutrophils were lower in the exposed group. Conclusion: The haematopoietic system is highly sensitive to radiation and the peripheral blood count may well serve a biological indication. The rapid recovery of this tissue limits its application as a diagnostic tool to accidental cases of irradiation. Keywords: ionizing radiation, haematological parameters, side effects, occupational health services

Teachers as a factor for the development of key competence cultural expression among students

The economic and social changes in a society in transition that strives towards opening up andbecoming multicultural by respecting the diversity, uniqueness and individuality of an individual reflect on theentire educational system and require changes in the role of teachers. This does not imply a completely newrole. It only implies a change of accent, all for the purpose of achieving qualities and skills (standards andcompetences) that modern teachers should have. Teachers have a key role in encouraging students todevelop their talents and realize their potential in order to achieve personal growth and wellbeing. It is theteachers that act as a bridge between the fast-developing world and the students who are about to join thisworld. The teaching profession is becoming ever more complex and is constantly put against ever morecomplex challenges. Research shows that there is a significant positive interdependence between the qualityof teachers and the achievements of students. Namely, the influence of the quality of teachers on theachievements of the students is considerable compared to other factors such as organization, management,and financial factors. The key cultural expression competence implies that a student should know his or herorigin and identity in order to raise their awareness about their own values and prejudices. Understandingone’s own personal and cultural competences and beliefs is one of the ways of respecting the importance ofmulticultural identity in people’s lives

SELF-IMAGE IN CHILDREN OF DIVORCED PARENTS

The family and its important role in the development of the child is the inspiration for many types of research that have the intention to emphasize certain aspects of family life and the consequences of the family relations in the development of the children.The issue of this research is to find out if there is a connection between the conflict in the family, the divorce of the parents and self-concept in the children of early school age. The research is conducted on 30 children of single-parent families. The children of these single-parent families are children who have lived in families with conflicts and they have been direct or indirect participants in the conflict of the divorced parents.In the process of research, we applied projective techniques: Machover which consists of drawing a person’s figure, as well as a drawing a house and a tree-HTP (House-Tree-Person).The results are obtained through qualitative analysis and interpretation of each drawing particularly.During the investigation the relation between the variables, it is confirmed that there is a considerable connection between the conflict in the family, the divorce of the parents and the self-concept in children. It is confirmed, during the process that the children of divorced parents from negative self-concept. In children of single-parent families it is indicated that this group of children in relation to the psychological picture for themselves presented the following characteristics: lowered EGO, mechanisms for defense, feeling of insecurity, low self-confidence, aggressiveness, great virility, and caution