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Employment among patients with multiple sclerosis-a population study
Hanne Marie Bøe Lunde1, Wenche Telstad2, Nina Grytten3
1Department of Neurology, Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Competence Centre, Haukeland University Hospital (HUS), Bergen, Norway.
Plos One
|July 24, 2014
Summary
Nearly half of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients remain employed after nearly 20 years, with factors like lower age at onset, less disability, and higher education positively influencing work ability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts patients' lives, including their ability to maintain employment.
- Understanding factors influencing employment in MS is crucial for developing supportive workplace strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with employment in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- To explore the relationship between disease characteristics and sustained work participation in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 213 MS patients in Norway was evaluated using clinical assessments, structured interviews, and questionnaires.
- Logistic regression analysis identified factors independently associated with employment status in MS patients.
Main Results:
- After a mean disease duration of 19 years, 45% of MS patients were employed (full-time or part-time).
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients had higher employment rates than those with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) or primary progressive MS (PPMS).
- Higher education, younger age at onset, shorter disease duration, less severe disability, and reduced fatigue were linked to higher employment likelihood.
Conclusions:
- Almost half of MS patients remain employed long-term, highlighting the importance of individual factors.
- Key predictors of employment include younger age at onset, shorter disease duration, higher education, less fatigue, and lower disability.
- Workplace adjustments are essential to support the working ability of individuals with MS.
