[Difficulties experienced at work by patients with multiple sclerosis].
OBJECTIVE
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that affects young adults at a time when they launch into the workforce. The disease often has a great impact on working life. The objective of this survey was to identify the problems faced by people with multiple sclerosis in the context of their work.


METHODS
To describe the difficulties experienced at work by patients with multiple sclerosis, we carried out in 2010 a regional survey including neurology and functional rehabilitation centers.


RESULTS
Two hundred and seven MS patients of working age responded to the survey. The employment rate was 67.6%. Among difficulties expressed by patients, physical and mental fatigue appeared as the issues affecting work. For 41% of respondents, preventive measures at work could help maintain or resume employment.


CONCLUSIONS
Problems of fatigability put forward by MS patients are elements that can predict a loss of employment.
Réseau sclérose en plaques Alsace (alsacEP), hôpitaux civils de Colmar, 39, avenue de la Liberté, 68024 Colmar, France. Electronic address: jean-claude.ongagna@chru-strasbourg.fr.
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JC
Ongagna
Centre de réadaptation fonctionnelle, 57, rue Albert-Camus, 68093 Mulhouse, France.
A
A
Passadori
Institut universitaire de réadaptation Clémenceau (IURC), 45, boulevard Clémenceau, 67082 Strasbourg, France.
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J
Pinelli
Institut universitaire de réadaptation Clémenceau (IURC), 45, boulevard Clémenceau, 67082 Strasbourg, France.
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ME
Isner-Horobeti
Réseau sclérose en plaques Alsace (alsacEP), hôpitaux civils de Colmar, 39, avenue de la Liberté, 68024 Colmar, France.
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C
Zaenker
Service de neurologie, hôpitaux universitaires, CHU de Strasbourg, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France.
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J
De Seze
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005222:Mental Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D014937:Work
Difficultés; Experienced difficulties; Multiple sclerosis; Sclérose en plaques; Travail; Work