Factors associated with self-reported work ability among people with multiple sclerosis in Sweden

Work ability index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability in workplace surveys and health examinations in occupational health and research. It has been used in different population groups. But research is limited among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

To determine the factors associated with work ability among PwMS in Sweden.

A total of 4103 PwMS who answered a web-based survey were included in the analysis. Work ability was assessed using the work ability score (WAS) component of WAI. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association of sociodemographic, clinical, and self-reported health variables with WAS.

Just over half of the PwMS reported good (37.0%) or excellent (16.3%) WAS. The overall mean WAS was 6.9 (standard deviation = 2.8). Health-related quality of life (R-squared = 31.6%), fatigue (28.3%), occupation (22.6%), and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score (18.1%), explained the highest proportions of variation in WAS, individually. In the adjusted model, occupation, EDSS score, and fatigue had the strongest associations with WAS with significantly lower scores in those with no occupation, higher EDSS score, and severe fatigue levels.

Work ability among PwMS was lower than in the general population in Sweden. Occupation, EDSS score and fatigue were among the most important factors associated with work ability.