Contributions
Abstract: EP1429
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Economic burden
Introduction: The negative impact of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the occupational status of patients is well known. For this reason, there are questionnaires (Q) on the impact of MS on the occupational status of working employees (W).
Objective: a) To develop a Q on the occupational status of MS that is useful for developing countries; and b) To describe the changes that patients must do in order to keep their occupational status.
Method: A structured questionnaire was developed ad hoc to compile information on the occupational status of MS patients. The EDSS, the Fatigue Severity Scale, Rao´s Neuropsychological Battery and Beck´s Depression Inventory II were administered as well. The results were compared with a control group with the same basal socio-demographic characteristics.
Results: Out of a total of 60 patients with MS, the mean age 45.1 (± 10.6), mean school education 14.4 years (± 3.6), EDSS 2.5 (± 2), 33.3% had full-time jobs, 29.4% had part-time jobs, 5.9% were housekeepers, 2% were retired, 15.7% had retired early, 7.8% were under sick leave, 2% were under sick leave for other causes, and 3.9% were unemployed. Unemployee Causes: 76% had impaired locomotion, 38% had impaired hand motility, 46% had urinary incontinence, 61% had fatigue, 46% had pain, and 7% cognitive impairments. No housekeeper mentioned MS as a cause of their occupational status. Of working patients, 46.6% had made changes in their work in order to keep it: 5 did simplified tasks, 7 did tasks with lower physical involvement, 2 worked from home, 4 cut down their working hours, 7 spent more time in developing tasks, 9 took more frequent rests, and 3 changed their working hours. Out of the respondents who had one or more managers or colleagues, 17% answered that they had been rejected due to their MS; while 71% answered that they had received their support.
Discussion: The Q developed recorded the occupational status of patients and showed how the disease affected them. Understanding these issues allows setting interventions to prevent the loss of job and to reduce the impact of MS on the occupational status of patients.
Disclosure: The authors have nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1429
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Economic burden
Introduction: The negative impact of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the occupational status of patients is well known. For this reason, there are questionnaires (Q) on the impact of MS on the occupational status of working employees (W).
Objective: a) To develop a Q on the occupational status of MS that is useful for developing countries; and b) To describe the changes that patients must do in order to keep their occupational status.
Method: A structured questionnaire was developed ad hoc to compile information on the occupational status of MS patients. The EDSS, the Fatigue Severity Scale, Rao´s Neuropsychological Battery and Beck´s Depression Inventory II were administered as well. The results were compared with a control group with the same basal socio-demographic characteristics.
Results: Out of a total of 60 patients with MS, the mean age 45.1 (± 10.6), mean school education 14.4 years (± 3.6), EDSS 2.5 (± 2), 33.3% had full-time jobs, 29.4% had part-time jobs, 5.9% were housekeepers, 2% were retired, 15.7% had retired early, 7.8% were under sick leave, 2% were under sick leave for other causes, and 3.9% were unemployed. Unemployee Causes: 76% had impaired locomotion, 38% had impaired hand motility, 46% had urinary incontinence, 61% had fatigue, 46% had pain, and 7% cognitive impairments. No housekeeper mentioned MS as a cause of their occupational status. Of working patients, 46.6% had made changes in their work in order to keep it: 5 did simplified tasks, 7 did tasks with lower physical involvement, 2 worked from home, 4 cut down their working hours, 7 spent more time in developing tasks, 9 took more frequent rests, and 3 changed their working hours. Out of the respondents who had one or more managers or colleagues, 17% answered that they had been rejected due to their MS; while 71% answered that they had received their support.
Discussion: The Q developed recorded the occupational status of patients and showed how the disease affected them. Understanding these issues allows setting interventions to prevent the loss of job and to reduce the impact of MS on the occupational status of patients.
Disclosure: The authors have nothing to disclose