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Chidambaram V, Gopalsamy MM, Kanchan BK, Mouleeswaran S. A holistic methodology for mitigating awkward postural risks: Evidence from South Indian small-scale industries. Work 2024; 77:1031-1045. [PMID: 37781854 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small-scale industries (SSI) are the global economy's backbone since most industrial workers are connected. Most of these workers are contractual and temporary without appropriate training. Also, the SSI does not have a standard workplace with an appropriate layout and infrastructure, as they manage with minimum resources. Therefore, the work hazards, i.e., musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue, often go unnoticed as holistic postural risk methodology is still scarce for identifying the awkward postures in SSI. OBJECTIVE The present study proposes a novel holistic methodology to track and mitigate awkward postural risks in human-physical activities in SSI. To determine the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a case study is presented in the South Indian Pump industry, wherein a critical workstation with a complex ergonomic work environment is employed. METHODS An ergonomic evaluation was conducted empirically and numerically in the workplaces using Digital Human Models. In numerical evaluation, three virtual workspaces have been created to redesign the identified crucial workstation, focusing on ergonomics and workflow. RESULTS The results obtained from the case study are encouraging for to use of the novel methodology in SSI. The case study reports that the proposed design significantly reduced the REBA score and WISHA lifting index by 6 and 1.20, respectively, without significant investment. CONCLUSION The proposed methodology could encourage research to identify awkward posture in SSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vigneswaran Chidambaram
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
| | - Madhan Mohan Gopalsamy
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
| | - Brajesh Kumar Kanchan
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Senthilkumar Mouleeswaran
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
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Kahraman T, Temiz H, Abasiyanik Z, Baba C, Ozakbas S. Dual-task difficulties as a risk factor for unemployment in people with multiple sclerosis. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3299. [PMID: 37881143 PMCID: PMC10726913 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No study has investigated the impact of dual-tasking difficulties as a risk factor for unemployment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim was to examine the influence of dual-task performance on employment status and work difficulties and to identify the predictors of employment status in pwMS. METHODS Eighty-four pwMS, including 42 employed and 42 unemployed, participated in the study. Dual-task difficulties were assessed using the Dual-task Impact on Daily-living Activities-Questionnaire (DIDA-Q), while dual-task performance was evaluated through the 30-second Walk Test and Nine-Hole Peg Test, incorporating a cognitive task. Walking and cognitive function were also measured. RESULTS Employed pwMS had better scores in walking, cognitive function, single and dual-task performance than unemployed pwMS (p < .05). Lower scores in walking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, p < .001) and upper extremity-related (OR = 1.44, p = .019) dual-task performance and higher scores in the cognitive subscale of the DIDA-Q questionnaire (OR = 1.20, p = .037) were significantly associated with higher odds of being unemployed. Among employed pwMS, DIDA-Q subscales showed moderate-to-strong correlations with MSWSDQ-23 scores. The other variables showed weak-to-moderate correlations with subscale and total scores of MSWSDQ-23. CONCLUSION Cognitive function, as opposed to motor function, has been found to be a significant predictor of unemployment in pwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turhan Kahraman
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health SciencesIzmir Katip Celebi UniversityIzmirTurkey
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and EducationManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Hasretgul Temiz
- Graduate School of Health SciencesIzmir Katip Celebi UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Zuhal Abasiyanik
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health SciencesIzmir Katip Celebi UniversityIzmirTurkey
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation SciencesHasselt UniversityHasseltBelgium
| | - Cavid Baba
- Graduate School of Health SciencesDokuz Eylül UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Serkan Ozakbas
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineIzmir University of EconomicsIzmirTurkey
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Oh J, Airas L, Harrison D, Järvinen E, Livingston T, Lanker S, Malik RA, Okuda DT, Villoslada P, de Vries HE. Neuroimaging to monitor worsening of multiple sclerosis: advances supported by the grant for multiple sclerosis innovation. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1319869. [PMID: 38107636 PMCID: PMC10722910 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1319869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Key unmet needs in multiple sclerosis (MS) include detection of early pathology, disability worsening independent of relapses, and accurate monitoring of treatment response. Collaborative approaches to address these unmet needs have been driven in part by industry-academic networks and initiatives such as the Grant for Multiple Sclerosis Innovation (GMSI) and Multiple Sclerosis Leadership and Innovation Network (MS-LINK™) programs. We review the application of recent advances, supported by the GMSI and MS-LINK™ programs, in neuroimaging technology to quantify pathology related to central pathology and disease worsening, and potential for their translation into clinical practice/trials. GMSI-supported advances in neuroimaging methods and biomarkers include developments in magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ocular imaging, and machine learning. However, longitudinal studies are required to facilitate translation of these measures to the clinic and to justify their inclusion as endpoints in clinical trials of new therapeutics for MS. Novel neuroimaging measures and other biomarkers, combined with artificial intelligence, may enable accurate prediction and monitoring of MS worsening in the clinic, and may also be used as endpoints in clinical trials of new therapies for MS targeting relapse-independent disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Laura Airas
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Harrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Baltimore VA Medical Center, VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elina Järvinen
- Neurology and Immunology, Medical Unit N&I, Merck OY (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Espoo, Finland
| | - Terrie Livingston
- Patient Solutions and Center of Excellence Strategic Engagement, EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA, United States
| | - Stefan Lanker
- Neurology & Immunology, US Medical Affairs, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Darin T. Okuda
- Department of Neurology, Neuroinnovation Program, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Imaging Program, Clinical Center for Multiple Sclerosis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Pablo Villoslada
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helga E. de Vries
- MS Center Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC), Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ghadiri F, Sahraian MA, Ashtari F, Baghbanian SM, Majdi-Nasab N, Hatamian H, Faraji F, Bayati A, Sharifipour E, Jalali N, Mozhdehipanah H, Kamali H, Ayoubi S, Eskandarieh S, Naser Moghadasi A. Economic and Social Standing of Individuals in Iran Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Arch Iran Med 2023; 26:413-418. [PMID: 38301102 PMCID: PMC10685736 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2023.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) may be affected by socioeconomic status (SES). This study aims to explore the determinants of SES among Iranian patients with MS and examine how these factors relate to disability and disease progression. METHODS All patients with MS listed in the nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI) until January 8, 2022, were included in this population-based study. RESULTS Among the 5153 patients, most were female (74.5%), married (70.8%), and did not hold an academic degree (53.8%). Unemployment (OR: 3.75) and being unmarried (OR: 2.60) were significantly associated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)≥6, and the time to progression was shorter in the unemployed group (P value: 0.03). There was also a significant negative correlation between the time to progression and the age at disease onset. CONCLUSION The study suggests that providing financial and social support to MS patients and their families through investment could reduce both individual and societal burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Ghadiri
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Ashtari
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Nastaran Majdi-Nasab
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Hatamian
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fardin Faraji
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Asghar Bayati
- Department of Neurology, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ehsan Sharifipour
- Department of Neurology, Shohada Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Jalali
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - Hoda Kamali
- Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeideh Ayoubi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharareh Eskandarieh
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Rodriguez Llorian E, Zhang W, Khakban A, Michaux K, Patten S, Traboulsee A, Oh J, Kolind S, Prat A, Tam R, Lynd LD. Employment status, productivity loss, and associated factors among people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2023:13524585231164295. [PMID: 37060245 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231164295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects people in their most productive years of life. Consequently, MS can substantially affect employment and work-related outcomes. OBJECTIVES This study characterizes productivity loss and employment status of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and investigates associated factors. METHODS We used baseline data collected as part of the Canadian Prospective Cohort Study to Understand Progression in Multiple Sclerosis (CanProCo). Using the Valuation of Lost Productivity questionnaire, we measured MS-related paid work productivity loss for those employed, productivity losses incurred by those unemployed (i.e. lost employment time), and unpaid work productivity losses for all. A set of sociodemographic, disease, and performance-related factors were investigated using a two-part regression model for productivity loss and a multinomial logistic model for employment status. RESULTS From the cohort of 888 pwMS enrolled at baseline (mostly showing mild to moderate disability), 75% were employed, and of those unemployed, 69% attributed their unemployment to health-related issues. Total productivity loss over a 3-month period averaged 64 and 395 hours for those employed and unemployed, respectively. Some factors that affected productivity loss and employment status included use of disease-modifying therapies, fatigue, and performance indicators such as cognitive processing speed. CONCLUSION Productivity loss experienced by employed and unemployed pwMS is substantial. Targeting the identified modifiable factors is likely to improve work productivity and permanence of MS patients in the workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rodriguez Llorian
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amir Khakban
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kristina Michaux
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott Patten
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anthony Traboulsee
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon Kolind
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Roger Tam
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Khakban A, Rodriguez Llorian E, Michaux KD, Patten SB, Traboulsee A, Oh J, Lynd LD. Direct Health Care Costs Associated With Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in British Columbia, Canada, 2001-2020. Neurology 2023; 100:e899-e910. [PMID: 36450607 PMCID: PMC9990437 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Multiple sclerosis (MS), a leading cause of nontraumatic neurologic disability in young adults, exerts a substantial economic burden on the health care system. The objective of this study was to quantify the excess health care costs of MS in British Columbia, Canada. METHODS A retrospective-matched cohort study of patients with MS was conducted using population-based administrative health data from 2001 to 2020. Patients with MS who satisfied a validated case definition were matched to 5 unique controls without MS on sex, age, and cohort entry date. Patients and controls were followed to the end of 2020 or to their last health care resource use, whichever came first. We calculated the direct medical costs for each individual, including outpatient services use, hospital admissions, and dispensed medications. We used generalized linear models with an identity link and normal distribution to estimate the excess cost of MS as the mean cost difference between patients with MS and controls. All costs were reported in 2020 Canadian dollars. RESULTS A total of 17,071 patients with MS were matched to 85,355 controls. Overall, 72.4% were female, and the mean age at cohort entry date was 46.1 years. The excess cost of MS was $6,881 (95% CI: $6,713, $7,049) per patient-year. Inpatient, outpatient, and medication costs accounted for 25%, 10%, and 65% of excess costs, respectively. Excess costs were higher in patients with MS with at least one disease-modifying therapy (DMT) prescription ($13,267; 95% CI: $12,992-$13,542) compared with non-DMT users ($3,469; 95% CI: $3,297-$3,641) and even higher among frequent DMT users ($24,835; 95% CI: $24,528-$25,141). Patients with MS with a history of at least one relapse requiring hospitalization had higher excess costs ($10,543; 95% CI: $10,136-$10,950) compared with patients with MS without a relapse; hospitalizations accounted for 51% of the costs in this group. The excess cost of hospitalizations was $1,391 lower among frequent DMT users than non-DMT users. DISCUSSION The economic burden of MS is considerable, with medications, particularly DMTs, being the largest cost driver. Future studies should investigate how disease management strategies, including early diagnosis and timely use of DMTs, could offset future and ongoing costs while improving patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Khakban
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elisabet Rodriguez Llorian
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kristina D Michaux
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott B Patten
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anthony Traboulsee
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jiwon Oh
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- From the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (A.K., E.R.L., K.D.M., L.D.L.), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division of Neurology (A.T.), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Community Health Sciences (S.B.P.), University of Calgary, AB; Division of Neurology (J.O.), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; and Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) (L.D.L.), St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Moccia M, Fontana L, Palladino R, Falco F, Finiello F, Fedele M, Lanzillo R, Reppuccia L, Triassi M, Brescia Morra V, Iavicoli I. Determinants of early working impairments in multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1062847. [PMID: 36570442 PMCID: PMC9784221 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1062847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Unemployment can directly affect social status and identity. Assessing and adjusting determinants of early working impairments in a chronic disease can thus reduce its long-term burden. Hereby, we aim to evaluate differences in occupational history and early working impairments between people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy workers. Methods This is a cross-sectional study comparing 71 workers with MS [age 41.7 ± 9.4 years; females 59.1%; EDSS 2.0 (1.0-6.0)] and 71 controls (age 42.6 ± 11.9 years; females 33.8%). All participants filled in Work Ability Index (WAI), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), European Questionnaire for Quality of Life (EuroQoL), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In MS, we further collected expanded disability status scale (EDSS), MS Questionnaire for Job difficulties (MSQ-Job), Fatigue severity scale (FSS), and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). Results Workers with MS were more working disabled (p < 0.01), less exposed to workplace risks (p < 0.01), and more limited in fitness to work (p = 0.01), compared with controls. On linear regression models adjusted by age, sex, education, and type of contract, people with MS had worse WAI (Coeff=-5.47; 95% CI = -7.41, -3.53; p < 0.01), EuroQoL (Coeff = -4.24; 95% CI = -17.85, -6.50; p < 0.01), BDI-II (Coeff = 3.99; 95% CI = 2.37, 7.01; p < 0.01), and PSQI (Coeff = 4.74; 95% CI = 3.13, 7.61; p < 0.01), compared with controls, but no differences in WPAI (p = 0.60). EuroQoL, BDI-II, and PSQI were equally associated with both WAI and WPAI in MS and controls (all p< 0.01). In MS, worse MSQJob was associated with higher EDSS (Coeff = 5.22; 95% CI = 2.24, 7.95; p < 0.01), progressive disease (Coeff = 14.62; 95% CI = 5.56, 23.69; p < 0.01), EuroQoL (Coeff = 4.63; 95% CI = 2.92, 6.35; p < 0.01), FSS (Coeff = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.38, 0.72; p < 0.01), and cognitive impairment (Coeff = 4.42; 95% CI = 0.67, 8.22; p = 0.02). Discussion Early factors associated with working difficulties in MS include disability, fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Early identification of clinical features potentially causing working difficulties should be considered to enhance job retention, along with targeted prevention and protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Moccia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy,Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy,*Correspondence: Marcello Moccia
| | - Luca Fontana
- Occupational Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palladino
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy,Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizia Falco
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Finiello
- Occupational Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Fedele
- Occupational Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy,Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Liberata Reppuccia
- Occupational Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy,Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Occupational Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Zhang W, Sun H, Gelfand A, Sawatzky R, Pearce A, Anis AH, Prescott K, Lee C. Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Association With Work Productivity Loss Among Patients and Caregivers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e677-e684. [PMID: 35941740 PMCID: PMC9640258 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to measure the association of working from home (WFH) with work productivity loss due to caregiving responsibilities or health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted an online survey of family/friend caregivers (n = 150 WFH/75 non-WFH) and patients (n = 95/91) who worked during the past 7 days in May and July 2020, respectively. Absenteeism and presenteeism were measured using the Valuation of Lost Productivity questionnaire. RESULTS Working from home was associated with higher odds of absenteeism (odds ratio, 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 5.77) and presenteeism (2.79; 1.26 to 6.18) among caregivers and higher odds of presenteeism among patients (2.78; 1.13 to 6.84). However, among caregivers with absenteeism more than 0 days, WFH was significantly associated with fewer absent workdays. CONCLUSIONS Working from home was not associated with overall absenteeism and presenteeism in caregivers or patients. Working from home allows a more flexible and inclusive workplace without impacting productivity, although further research is needed.
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Bessing B, Claflin SB, Taylor BV, Blizzard L, Honan CA, van Dijk P, Kirk-Brown A, van der Mei I. Estimating the impact of work difficulties, work self-efficacy and work psychological safety on MS-related work productivity loss. Mult Scler 2022; 28:1983-1996. [PMID: 35652440 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221097573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A comprehensive understanding of factors associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related work productivity loss will inform targeted interventions. We have previously shown the strong impact of symptom severity on MS-related work productivity loss. However, the effect of work difficulties, work self-efficacy and work psychological safety is yet to be well evaluated in this context. OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the association between work difficulties, work self-efficacy and work psychological safety, and MS-related presenteeism, absenteeism and total work productivity loss. METHODS We analysed data from employed participants of the Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS) who took part in both the 2015 Medication and Disease Course survey, and 2015 Employment survey (n = 744). Data were analysed using Cragg Hurdle regression models. RESULTS We found that low workplace self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties at work and work self-efficacy were associated with total work productivity loss. In a multivariable model, a 10-unit decrease in workplace self-esteem, increase in interpersonal difficulties at work and 5-unit increase in work self-efficacy were independently associated with a 3.75% increase, 2.89% increase and 3.36% reduction in total work productivity loss, respectively. When separating total work productivity loss in presenteeism and absenteeism, stronger effects were seen for presenteeism than absenteeism. Surprisingly, work psychological safety was not associated with MS-related work productivity loss. CONCLUSION Work psychosocial well-being such as self-confidence at work, work self-efficacy and interpersonal difficulties at work are crucial factors governing work productivity in people with MS (PwMS). Multidisciplinary support team assistance of PwMS in symptom self-care, skills around effective communication about MS in the workplace, the psychological impact of work and the modification of work demands may positively influence the employment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas Bessing
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Suzi B Claflin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Bruce V Taylor
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Leigh Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Cynthia A Honan
- Division of Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Pieter van Dijk
- Department of Management, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrea Kirk-Brown
- Department of Management, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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