OBJECTIVE: Finding and continuing employment are among the most important issues for patients with epilepsy (PWE). Earlier studies indicated overrepresentation of PWE in manual unskilled or semiskilled positions. METHODS: The questionnaire-based study was carried out throughout Poland between February and March 2009. 995 PWE (18-65 yrs), 179 neurologists, and a representative sample of the Polish population over 15 yrs of age (1042) were included. RESULTS: 49% of PWE were employed. Patients with epilepsy most commonly work as service and sales workers, office workers, professionals, and technicians. 56% of Poles, 25% of patients, and 28% of neurologists believed that all PWE could work. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 3/4 of PWE held non-manual positions. This contradicts the stereotype of unskilled professions being more suitable for PWE. Generally, Poles have a positive attitude towards employment of PWE, but the lack of knowledge about the condition makes them less prudent than neurologists and the PWE themselves.
OBJECTIVE: Finding and continuing employment are among the most important issues for patients with epilepsy (PWE). Earlier studies indicated overrepresentation of PWE in manual unskilled or semiskilled positions. METHODS: The questionnaire-based study was carried out throughout Poland between February and March 2009. 995 PWE (18-65 yrs), 179 neurologists, and a representative sample of the Polish population over 15 yrs of age (1042) were included. RESULTS: 49% of PWE were employed. Patients with epilepsy most commonly work as service and sales workers, office workers, professionals, and technicians. 56% of Poles, 25% of patients, and 28% of neurologists believed that all PWE could work. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 3/4 of PWE held non-manual positions. This contradicts the stereotype of unskilled professions being more suitable for PWE. Generally, Poles have a positive attitude towards employment of PWE, but the lack of knowledge about the condition makes them less prudent than neurologists and the PWE themselves.
Authors: Jéssica Lopes de Souza; Aline Scardoeli Faiola; Carmen Silvia Molleis Galego Miziara; Maria Luiza Giraldes de Manreza Journal: Neurol Res Int Date: 2018-05-13