Coping strategies in relation to negative work events and accommodations in employed multiple sclerosis patients

BackgroundJob loss is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is known to exert a negative effect on quality of life. The process leading up to job loss typically includes negative work events, productivity losses and a need for accommodations. By using active coping strategies job loss may be prevented or delayed.ObjectiveOur goal was to examine negative work events and accommodations in relation to coping strategies in employed relapsing–remitting MS patients.MethodsNinety-seven MS patients (77% females; 21–59 years old) completed questionnaires concerning the patient’s work situation, coping strategies, demographics, physical, psychological and cognitive functioning. Forward binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine coping strategies and other (disease) characteristics predictive of reported negative work events and accommodations.ResultsNineteen per cent of the employed MS patients reported one or more negative work events, associated with a higher use of emotion-oriented coping and ...