Short Term Predictors of Unemployment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Background:Unemployment is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with loss of income and impaired health related quality of life. This study determined variables associated with unemployment and risk factors for the development of unemployment in people with MS.Methods:Ninety-six patients who were under age 65 and participated in two previous studies to measure economic costs and health related quality of life in MS were included. The baseline employment rate and variables associated with unemployment at baseline were determined. The ability of these variables to predict unemployment over the next two and a half years was then evaluated.Results:At baseline 50.1% (50/96) of participants were employed. Two and a half years later only 40.6% (39/96) remained employed. This represents loss of employment for 22.0% (11/50) of those originally employed. Factors associated with unemployment at baseline included greater disability, progressive disease course, longer disease duration, and older age. Risk factors for loss of employment over the next 2.5 years included greater disability and older age.Conclusions:This study confirms the low employment rate among people with MS and confirms the association of several previously-reported factors with greater risk of unemployment. It is also the first study to confirm that some of these factors also increase the risk of future unemployment. People with MS who are over age 39 or have moderate disability and are still employed can now be identified as at risk for becoming unemployed over the next 2.5 years. They should be considered for interventions to maintain employment or to lessen the impact of unemployment.

The relationships between depression and life activities and well-being of multiple sclerosis patients

“…High rate of MS patients' unemployment and limited work capacity provided in our survey is in line with results found in other countries [41][42][43][44]. However, more exhaustive surveys are needed to investigate relations between depression, unemployment and limited work capacity.…”

“…This represents loss of employment for 22.0% of those originally employed. Factors associated with unemployment at baseline included greater disability, progressive disease course, longer disease duration, and older age [44].…”

Employment status and perceived health status in younger and older people with multiple sclerosis

“…Furthermore, it could be assumed that older age due to more MS symptoms could be a significant risk factor for losing a job. Busche et al (2003) found that people with MS, who are over age 39 or have moderate disability and are still employed, can now be identified as at risk of becoming nonemployed over the next 2.5 years.…”

Perspectives for Managed Care Organizations on the Burden of Multiple Sclerosis and the Cost-Benefits of Disease-Modifying Therapies

“…[74][75][76][77][78][79] This observation is of consequence given that MS affects an estimated 400,000 people in the -1a). 13,20 Further, other oral therapies such as laquinimod, teriflunomide, and BG-12 have recently completed phase 3 trials and may receive future approval.…”