Employment among multiple sclerosis patients in Hong Kong
- Author:
Kwok-Kwong Lau
;
Alexander YL Lau
;
Ellen LM Yu
;
Kam-Mei Lau
;
Alma Au
;
Iris Chan
;
Wing-Chi Fong
;
Tak-Hon Tsoi
;
Ping-Wing Ng
;
Patrick CK Li
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Employment;
multiple sclerosis patients
- MeSH:
Multiple Sclerosis
- From:Neurology Asia
2016;21(2):161-167
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: Employment is important for patients with chronic illness, and to remain employed is a
robust support to them. This study aimed to examine the employment rate and to identify factors
associated with employment among multiple sclerosis (MS) in Hong Kong.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from 2010 to 2011 at five major public hospitals.
Fifty-nine clinical definite MS patients with no evidence of dementia (Mini-Mental State Examination
≥ 22) were recruited. Demographic data and neuropsychological test results including memory, visual
perception, psychological well-being, motor, executive domain and processing speed were collected.
Principal component analysis and logistic regression with multiple imputation were used in data
analyses. Results: The employment rate among MS patients was 56%. Patients with better cognitive
functions were more likely to be employed (p=0.002). No significant association was found between
employment status and age, gender, level of education, types of MS, disease duration, frequency of
relapse or use of interferon.
Conclusion: MS patients had high unemployment rate (44%) which was 11.5 times higher than the
general population in Hong Kong. MS patients with better cognitive functions had higher employment
rates.
- Full text:P020160714371741765409.pdf
