Employment among patients with MS relates to several factors, including lower earnings, less opportunity for advancement or recognition, more education, and working in professional/ managerial occupations, according to findings published in Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin. James S. Krause, PhD, and colleagues assessed job characteristics related to perceptions of underemployment among participants (N=585) who were at least 1 year past MS diagnosis, aged less than 65, and employed at the time of the study. Perceived underemployment was assessed with a single dichotomous variable (yes/ no). A restricted model with only demographic, MS, and educational factors explained 8.5% of the variance, while the full model with vocational factors explained 26.1% of the variance. Race/ ethnicity and fatigue were significant in the restricted model, with greater odds of underemployment among Black patients (OR, 2.0), individuals reporting Hispanic or other race (OR, 2.7), and those with fatigue (OR, 2.2). In the final model, odds of underemployment were lower for those with higher income (≥$75,000; OR, 0.28) and those in jobs with promotion and recognition (OR, 0.41). Odds of underemployment were higher for those with more education (bachelor’s degree or higher; OR, 2.2) and working in professional/managerial occupations (OR, 1.9).
