The Socioeconomic Costs and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with significant socioeconomic burden, high rates of unemployment, and physical and mental hardship. This study evaluated patient and disease characteristics associated with work loss, disability pension, and quality of life. Methods: Eligible participants included 192 patients (67% females, mean age 39.3 +/- 10.6 years, mean disease duration 5.8 +/- 5.0 years). Health-related quality of life was assessed by 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), fatigue using Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), and depression and anxiety were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Post-Hoc Tests (Scheffe, Least Significant Difference) were used to analyse data. Results: Our study shows that almost 27% of patients lost their job and become disabled since they were diagnosed, 31% were continuously employed, 32% were not employed, and 10% found a job. Factors associated with loss of employment included age, education, disease duration, functional status, depression, and quality of life. No significant associations were found with gender, fatigue or anxiety. Conclusions: Specific physical and mental health limitations convene risk of employment cessation over time. This study has implications for rehabilitation interventions to target specific MS factors that place patients at greater risk for loss of a paid job.