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Open Access 01-10-2020 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Communication

Factors associated with employment and expected work retention among persons with multiple sclerosis: findings of a cross-sectional citizen science study

Authors: Anja I. Lehmann, Stephanie Rodgers, Christian P. Kamm, Mathias Mettler, Nina Steinemann, Vladeta Ajdacic-Gross, Marco Kaufmann, Jürg Kesselring, Pasquale Calabrese, Anke Salmen, Claudio Gobbi, Chiara Zecca, Georg F. Bauer, Viktor von Wyl

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 10/2020

Abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) notably affects adults of working age. For persons with MS (PwMS), being employed enhances their quality of life and it may be regarded as an indicator of overall functioning. Thus, ensuring work participation in PwMS is of general public health interest.

Objective

To examine relevant socio-demographic, MS-, health- and work-related factors, including psychosocial working conditions, associated with currently working PwMS in Switzerland and their expected work retention.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data of PwMS in the Swiss MS Registry (n = 541, median age = 48 [IQR 40;55]), multivariable logistic regression models were computed. First, currently working PwMS were characterised in comparison with those not currently working. Second, expected work retention, operationalized as subjective judgement “likely to work in the same job in 2 years”, was examined within the group of currently working PwMS.

Results

The factors age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99), sex (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13–0.60), highest achieved job position (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.46), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04) and the number of MS symptoms (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.98) were associated with currently working PwMS. Moreover, HRQoL (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10) and psychosocial working conditions, such as job resources (e.g. autonomy, control or social support) (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.50–5.33) and job demands (e.g. workload, time pressure) (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.90) were important factors for expected work retention among this group.

Conclusions

Resourceful psychosocial working conditions are crucial for PwMS to maintain employment. Employers could contribute to work retention among PwMS by creating a work environment with resourceful psychosocial working conditions and providing, for instance, social support.

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Title: Factors associated with employment and expected work retention among persons with multiple sclerosis: findings of a cross-sectional citizen science study
Authors: Anja I. Lehmann
Stephanie Rodgers
Christian P. Kamm
Mathias Mettler
Nina Steinemann
Vladeta Ajdacic-Gross
Marco Kaufmann
Jürg Kesselring
Pasquale Calabrese
Anke Salmen
Claudio Gobbi
Chiara Zecca
Georg F. Bauer
Viktor von Wyl
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Multiple Sclerosis
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-09973-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Factors associated with employment and expected work retention among persons with multiple sclerosis: findings of a cross-sectional citizen science study

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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