Multiple Sclerosis and Employment: A Research Review Based on the International Classification of Function

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, sometimes progressive chronic illness affecting people in the prime of their working lives. This article reviews the effects of MS on employment based on the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model. Correlations between employment and personal, functional, environmental, and participation factors are discussed along with the need for a framework for evidence-based practice regarding the employment of people with MS.

Employment retention expectations of working adults with multiple sclerosis: A multinomial logistic regression analysis

“…The failure of gender to stay in the model is consistent with findings of previous studies in which gender was not a predictor of employment status (Chiu et al, 2013;Frain et al, 2015;Moore et al, 2013;Roessler, Fitzgerald, Rumrill, & Koch, 2001;Strober, Chiaravalloti, Moore, & DeLuca, 2014). This indicates encouraging equivalence in the experiences of men and women with MS in the world of work.…”

Personal, health and function, and career maintenance factors as determinants of quality of life among employed people with multiple sclerosis

“…In that regard, it is important to bear in mind that health and function predictors explained 51 percent of the variability in participants' QOL scores, with career maintenance predictors adding only three percent to the explanatory model. Supported in multiple investigations pertaining to life outcomes of adults with MS (e.g., [55], this study indicated that a biopsychosocial model [67,72] consisting of health, functioning, and career maintenance variables (especially those related to health and functioning) provides important insights into differential levels of QOL. In a biopsychosocial model, the impact of disability is viewed both as a function of health conditions and contextual factors.…”

“…In a biopsychosocial model, the impact of disability is viewed both as a function of health conditions and contextual factors. Consequently, the discussion to follow addresses the "why and how" specific constructs in each of the IW 2 M categories (i.e., personal, health and function, and career maintenance characteristics) did or did not relate to perceived QOL and the medical and psychosocial services required to enhance QOL, which is considered an overarching goal of rehabilitation services [72,73]. Implications for future rehabilitation practice and research are suggested.…”

Online Resource to Promote Vocational Interests Among Job Seekers With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Australia

“…One such framework is the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), according to which biological, socio-environmental and personal factors interact to create or eliminate disability. (6,7) Studies confirm the associations between older age, greater reported disability, longer disease duration, MS-related cognitive difficulties, and employment loss. (8)(9)(10)(11) Persons with a disability have also identified attitudinal, policy and programmatic barriers as contributing to early retirement from the Australian labor force (e.g.…”