Workplace difficulties and coping strategies in multiple sclerosis: insights from a Non-Western population

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurologic disease that primarily affects adults of working age. Symptoms related to the disease can lead to unemployment and challenges in the workplace. This study aims to review the challenges related to work life in actively working adult patients with MS, and investigate the relationship of these challenges with disease-related factors such as cognitive, emotional, and physical disability, as well as the coping strategies employed.

One hundred fifty patients with a definitive diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were included in the study. We evaluated fatigue, cognition, mood, extremity functions, disability, and coping strategies for difficulties at work.

In our study, as patients' cognitive levels decreased, their scores on psychological/cognitive barriers, physical barriers, and total barriers increased. We found a negative correlation between work-related difficulties and patients' cognitive levels. As patients' scores on depression, fatigue, and hopelessness tests increased, their scores across all work-related barriers also increased.

This study highlights the importance of evaluating the clinical symptoms, work-related challenges, and coping strategies in the follow-up of working patients with MS. Therefore, we suggest prioritizing adaptive coping and vocational rehabilitation to mitigate work-related difficulties.