Article

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. 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS