Work status and factors affecting work engagement of people with multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Regular follow-up and support of people with multiple sclerosis in finding and keeping employment may enable them to stay employed longer and have better quality of work life, financial security, and a higher degree of social participation. The objective of this study was to determine the work status and factors that may affect work engagement of people with multiple sclerosis.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and included 108 subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, aged 18 - 65 years, using the expanded disability status scale, 0 - 5.5. The data were collected using a General questionnaire and the multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire.

Results: Out of 108 subjects, only 37 were employed or had been retired for less than three years, which were the criteria for filling out the multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire (in Serbian). Our results showed that subjects perceived cognitive difficulties and movement/mobility difficulties as the main factors affecting their work performance.

Conclusion: The analysis of environmental factors and factors affecting work engagement of people with multiple sclerosis showed that other factors affected their work more than their personal preferences or the disease itself.