The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire (MSWDQ): development of a shortened scale

BACKGROUND: The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire (MSWDQ) is a recently developed, internally consistent and valid 50-item measure of self-reported workplace difficulties in pwMS.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the second-order factor structure of the MSWDQ was assessed, with the aim of developing a short version of the scale.

METHODS: Cross-sectional MSWDQ data were obtained along with employment and MS disease information, in a community-based sample of 189 pwMS. Final items for the shortened version were selected to ensure both item breadth and adequacy of psychometric properties.

RESULTS: Confirmatory Factor Analysis on the 12 MSWDQ factors yielded a model comprised of three second-order factors termed physical barriers, psychological/cognitive barriers and external barriers, which formed the basis of the shorter 23-item scale, the MSWDQ-23. The MSWDQ-23 showed excellent subscale internal consistencies. It explained 29% of the variance in reduced work hours since diagnosis, 22% of the variance in expectations of withdrawing from work, 24% of the variance in expectations of reduced work hours and 32% of the variance in expectations of changing type of work due to MS.

CONCLUSION: The MSWDQ-23 is a brief valid and internally consistent measure of workplace difficulties that can predict both employment outcomes and expectations in pwMS. It is an especially useful tool for clinicians who wish to quickly obtain an indication of the extent of psychological/cognitive, physical and/or external difficulties experienced by individual pwMS in the workplace. Implications for Rehabilitation The MSWDQ-23 is a shortened self-report survey that examines work difficulties in people with MS across three broad domains: psychological/cognitive barriers, physical barriers and external barriers. The MSWDQ-23 is a valid and reliable measure that is capable of predicting various employment outcomes and expectations.