Article

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
(chi2 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 0.899; Nagelkerke R
Square 0.579). CONCLUSION: Psychological factors fluctuated over the 8-month
follow-up period. Some psychological variables, including anxiety and depression,
were significantly associated with, and predictive of, work instability.
Longitudinal analysis should further identify how these psychological attributes
impact on work instability and potential job loss in the longer term.

Langue : ANGLAIS