Dataset Information

Understanding Drivers of Employment Changes in a Multiple Sclerosis Population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Qualitative data are lacking on decision making and factors surrounding changes in employment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to increase our understanding of the key symptoms and factors leading patients with MS to leave work or reduce employment.

Methods

Adults with MS who reported leaving the workforce, reducing work hours, or changing jobs due to MS in the past 6 months were recruited from four US clinical sites. Patients participated in semistructured interviews to discuss MS symptoms and reasons for changing employment status. All interviews were transcribed and coded for descriptive analyses.

Results

Twenty-seven adults (mean age = 46.3 years, mean duration of MS diagnosis = 10.9 years) with a range of occupations participated; most were white (81.5%) and female (70.4%). Physical symptoms (eg, fatigue, visual deficits) (77.8%) were the most common reasons for employment change; 40.7% of patients reported at least one cognitive symptom (eg, memory loss). Fatigue emerged as the most pervasive symptom and affected physical and mental aspects of patients' jobs. Most patients (85.2%) reported at least two symptoms as drivers for change. Some patients reported a significant negative impact of loss of employment on their mental status, family life, and financial stability.

Conclusions

Fatigue was the most common symptom associated with the decision to leave work or reduce employment and can lead to a worsening of other MS symptoms. Comprehensive symptom management, especially fatigue management, may help patients preserve their employment status.

SUBMITTER: Coyne KS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4599362 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Understanding Drivers of Employment Changes in a Multiple Sclerosis Population.

Coyne Karin S KS Boscoe Audra N AN Currie Brooke M BM Landrian Amanda S AS Wandstrat Todd L TL

International journal of MS care 20150901 5

<h4>Background</h4>Qualitative data are lacking on decision making and factors surrounding changes in employment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to increase our understanding of the key symptoms and factors leading patients with MS to leave work or reduce employment.<h4>Methods</h4>Adults with MS who reported leaving the workforce, reducing work hours, or changing jobs due to MS in the past 6 months were recruited from four US clinical sites. Patients participated in ...[more]

PMID: 26472946

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Dataset Information

Understanding Drivers of Employment Changes in a Multiple Sclerosis Population.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Understanding Drivers of Employment Changes in a Multiple Sclerosis Population.

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