INTRODUCTION: Although multiple sclerosis (MS) often implies substantial disability, there is little knowledge about sick leave and disability pension among MS patients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of sick leave and disability pension among MS patients and to explore how socio-demographics are associated with such rates. METHODS: The register data of all people who lived in Sweden in 2005 and were 16-64 years old was used to identify 9721 MS patients and matched controls. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and effect modifications were evaluated with Wald X(2) tests. RESULTS: In 2005, 61.7% of the MS patients were on partial or full disability pension compared to 14.2% among the controls. Of the others, 36.8% had ≥ 1 sick-leave spell for >14 days during that year. Socio-demographics were similarly associated with sick leave and disability pension among MS patients and controls, with the noteworthy exceptions that female gender and immigration status were less potent risk factors in the MS population (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In spite of widespread access to modern health care including disease-modifying drugs, the majority of MS patients of working ages were on a disability pension. Strategies enabling MS patients to retain their footing in the labour market are needed.
INTRODUCTION: Although multiple sclerosis (MS) often implies substantial disability, there is little knowledge about sick leave and disability pension among MSpatients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of sick leave and disability pension among MSpatients and to explore how socio-demographics are associated with such rates. METHODS: The register data of all people who lived in Sweden in 2005 and were 16-64 years old was used to identify 9721 MSpatients and matched controls. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and effect modifications were evaluated with Wald X(2) tests. RESULTS: In 2005, 61.7% of the MSpatients were on partial or full disability pension compared to 14.2% among the controls. Of the others, 36.8% had ≥ 1 sick-leave spell for >14 days during that year. Socio-demographics were similarly associated with sick leave and disability pension among MSpatients and controls, with the noteworthy exceptions that female gender and immigration status were less potent risk factors in the MS population (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In spite of widespread access to modern health care including disease-modifying drugs, the majority of MSpatients of working ages were on a disability pension. Strategies enabling MSpatients to retain their footing in the labour market are needed.
Authors: Astrid R Bosma; Chantelle Murley; Jenny Aspling; Jan Hillert; Frederieke G Schaafsma; Johannes R Anema; Cécile R L Boot; Kristina Alexanderson; Alejandra Machado; Emilie Friberg Journal: Mult Scler Date: 2021-10-06 Impact factor: 5.855
Authors: Andrius Kavaliunas; Michael Wiberg; Petter Tinghög; Anna Glaser; Hanna Gyllensten; Kristina Alexanderson; Jan Hillert Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-12-22 Impact factor: 3.240