Idiosyncrasy in a Spanish-speaking developing country and Employment: study of general population and Multiple Sclerosis (P5-3.005)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> Assess differences in the association of cognitive and clinical variables with work status between people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and healthy controls (HCs) and study the association between work-related difficulties - negative work events (NWE) and work hours per week - and work status in PwMS and HCs through the BVMS. <h3>Background:</h3> PwMS are vulnerable to diverse unfavorable work experiences, from reduced hours to unemployment. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We enrolled 80 PwMS &amp; 80 HCs for a single examination that included Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMTR), &amp; Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). We used the Buffalo Vocational Monitoring Survey (BVMS) to investigate work status and work-related difficulties. Work status was classified into: Stable, Challenged or Loss. Work-related difficulties includes absenteeism, income, hours worked per week, and NWEs (verbal reprimands, demotions, etc.). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and Pearson correlations were performed. <h3>Results:</h3> PwMS and HCs were matched on demographics. PwMS (EDSS: 3.18±2.44; disease duration: 13.23±9.14), were impaired on SDMT: 45.16±14.56, CVLT: 48.71±12.71, BVMTR: 21.30±12.65, and DEX: 21.36±12.04. Work status (PwMS vs. HCs): Stable: 51.2% vs. 90%, Challenged: 25% vs. 6.2%, &amp; Loss: 23.8% vs. 3.8%. PwMS: EFA (KMO 0.664, Bartlett 0.000), work status (0.779), SDMT (0.841), CVLT (0.821), and BVMTR (0.560) (α=.590) loaded into the 1° factor, and work status (0.021), DEX (0.891) and depression (0.897) (α=.765) into the 2° factor. HCs: EFA (KMO 0.572, Bartlett 0.000) work status (0.182), SDMT (0.790), CVLT (0.678) and BVMTR (0.751) (α .593) loaded into the 1° factor, and work status (−0.431), DEX (0.808) and depression (0.856) (α=.459) into the 2° factor. In both groups, work status was associated with NWEs (PwMS: <i>r</i>=.864; <i>p</i>=.000, HCs: <i>r</i>= −.758; <i>p</i>=.000) and work hours per week (PwMS: <i>r</i>=.778;<i>p</i>=.000, HCs: <i>r</i>=.393; <i>p</i>=.000). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Processing speed and memory are associated with worse work status in PwMS, and depression and impaired executive functioning in HCs. <b>Disclosure:</b> Sandra Vanotti has received research support from Merck S.A.,Buenos Aires, Argentina, an affiliate Merck S.A.,Buenos Aires, Argentina, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Maria Sol Román has nothing to disclose. Miss Bardoneschi has nothing to disclose. Mr. Jaworski III has nothing to disclose. Mrs. De Los Santos has nothing to disclose. Miss Daniele has nothing to disclose. Maria Laura Saladino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as a Consultant for Roche. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Sanofi. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bristol Meyers Squibb. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Roche. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Biogen. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Brystal Mier Squibb. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for EMD Serono. The institution of Dr. Benedict has received research support from Genzyme. The institution of Dr. Benedict has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Benedict has received research support from Bristol Myer Squib. Dr. Benedict has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Fernando Caceres has nothing to disclose.