Factors associated with unemployment of patients with multiple sclerosis

As part of a larger study of psychosocial aspects of chronic disease, the employment status of 79 male and 233 female multiple sclerosis patients was evaluated by interview to identify: (1) the relationship between degree of disability and employment status and (2) other determinants of employment status. Seventy-seven per cent of the patients were unemployed. Disability level, age, sex, and level of education accounted for 14% of the differences in employment status, with less disabled, older, more educated males being the most likely to be employed. Employment status was unrelated to marital status or type of occupation. Case histories are presented to illustrate psychosocial and environmental factors which might further account for the differences in employment status.