# The impact of multiple sclerosis on wellbeing, productivity, and societal relations

## TL;DR

This study examines how multiple sclerosis affects quality of life, employment, and social benefits use in a national sample of patients.

## Contribution

The study identifies symptom prevalence and links delayed diagnosis and higher disability to unemployment and social benefit use in MS patients.

## Key findings

- 43% of participants experienced fatigue and 51% reported poor sleep quality.
- Unemployed patients had delayed diagnosis and higher disability rates.
- Half of unemployed patients used social benefits, compared to 6.5% of employed patients.

## Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the main cause of nontraumatic neurological disabilities in the population under 50 years of age.

To evaluate the most prevalent symptoms in a national sample of people with MS and to analyze their correlation with disease characteristics, demographics, quality of life, employment status, and use of social benefits.

Cross-sectional, online, self-reported survey, concerning demographic and clinical data, employment status, and use of social benefits.

A total of 466 patients answered the survey. The median age at onset was 30 years, the current age, of 39, and disease duration was 8 years. Furthermore, the median patient determined disease steps (PDDS) was 2, which indicates minor to moderate disability. The median MS impact and walking scale scores were 31 and 20%, which denotes minor to moderate quality of life and mobility compromise. Among the participants, 43% suffered fatigue and 51% reported not sleeping well. Unemployed patients had delayed diagnosis and higher disability rates. Furthermore, half of the unemployed patients are receiving some social benefit, compared with only 6.5% of the employed patients.

The current study presents symptom prevalence in a national sample of patients with MS and discloses that those with a diagnosis delay and more disability have higher rates of unemployment and use of social benefits. Strategies for earlier diagnosis and better treatment plans can not only reduce patient disability but, possibly, increase employment retention and reduce the use of social benefits.