Article

The main objective of this survey of persons with multiple sclerosis
was to describe their employment situation.
Secondary objectives were to
ascertain when and how multiple sclerosis symptoms first impact employment per se
and what strategies persons with multiple sclerosis use to cope with their employment problems. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted to collect
data from persons with multiple sclerosis aged 18 years and over, using a
computer-assisted web tool. RESULTS: A total of 941 respondents were working at
the time of multiple sclerosis diagnosis or had worked subsequently. Median time
since diagnosis was 10 years. Multiple sclerosis had an impact on employment for
74.3% of respondents. The overall employment rate at the time of the survey was
68.1%; 27.2% had discontinued their occupational activity for a multiple
sclerosis-related reason. Median time from diagnosis to multiple
sclerosis-related cessation of occupational activity was 24.0 years (95%
confidence interval (CI) 21.7-26.3 years). Respondents were poorly aware of
available tools designed to assist them in retaining employment. CONCLUSION: This
study highlights the importance of early intervention by the occupational
medicine physician in order to favour job retention and use of available tools by
all workers with MS and not only those with a recognized status as a disabled
worker.

Langue : ANGLAIS