A Dutch validation study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire in relapsing remitting multiple...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts employment.
• Accurate assessment of work difficulties is crucial for rehabilitation and support.
• Existing tools may require validation for specific populations, such as Dutch speakers with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23).
• To establish the reliability and validity of the MSWDQ-23 for use in the Dutch MS population.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the factor structure of the MSWDQ-23.
• Construct validity was assessed by correlating MSWDQ-23 scores with measures of disability, fatigue, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and quality of life variables.
• Predictive validity was determined using logistic regression to forecast employment status changes over one year.

Main Results:

• The Dutch MSWDQ-23 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α=0.913) and fair model fit.
• Construct validity was supported, with 94% of hypotheses confirmed.
• The MSWDQ-23 total scale and psychological/cognitive subscale predicted a decline in employment status after one year (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The Dutch MSWDQ-23 is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring self-reported work difficulties in individuals with MS.
• Psychological and cognitive work challenges are significant predictors of future employment deterioration.
• The MSWDQ-23 serves as a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers to identify work difficulties and at-risk individuals with MS.