Abstract: The factors that influence time missed from work among individuals
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis were the focus of this study. Records of
individuals who were employed and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between the
years 1999 and 2002 (N=284) were examined for details
pertaining to their medical claims. Multivariate regressions, controlling for
demographic characteristics, type of immunomodulatory medication, and overall
severity of illness, were used in the examination of the total number of days
missed from work for any reason and those missed due to absenteeism, short-term
disability, or worker's compensation. Results indicate that lost work time is
affected by severity of illness, and type of immunomodulatory therapy.
Comparing individuals treated with the specific immunomodulator glatiramer
acetate, interferon beta-1a (intramuscular), or interferon beta-1b, to those
who did not receive multiple sclerosis medications of this type; only
glatiramer acetate was associated with significantly fewer days missed from
work for short term disability (18.24 fewer days, P<0.03),
worker's compensation (29.50 fewer days, P<0.04) or any
reason (53.70 fewer days, P< 0.003).
