Multiple sclerosis and employment: Associations of psychological factors and work instability.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2142Keywords:
multiple sclerosis, psychological factors, psychology, anxiety, depressive disorders, employment, work instability.Abstract
BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis often stop working earlier than expected. Psychological factors may have an impact on job retention. Investigation may inform interventions to help people stay in work. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between psychological factors and work instability in people with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: A multi-method, 2-phased study. Focus groups were held to identify key themes. Questionnaire packs using validated scales of the key themes were completed at baseline and at 8-month follow-up. RESULTS: Four key psychological themes emerged. Out of 208 study subjects 57.2% reported medium/high risk of job loss, with marginal changes at 8 months. Some psychological variables fluctuated significantly, e.g. depression fell from 24.6% to 14.5%. Work instability and anxiety and depression were strongly correlated (χ2 p < 0.001). Those with probable depression at baseline had 7.1 times increased odds of medium/high work instability, and baseline depression levels also predicted later work instability (Hosmer-Lemeshow test 0.899Downloads
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