Urinary Incontinence and Unemployment in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This article presents an important finding identified when establishing the validity and reliability of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disability Profile. The research found that the intermittent use of pads to manage urinary incontinence was linked to unemployment, particularly in women with MS. A total of 103 participants completed a survey and participated in semistructured interviews. Urinary incontinence in people with MS is common, with reports of 89%. Twenty percent of the participants in the current study used pads to manage urinary leakage. Response to the question, “Do you use any appliances to assist with bladder function/control?” indicated that intermittent pad use was a precursor to unemployment and is offered as an important indicator of impending unemployment in people with MS. This simple question could be used by clinicians to identify the need for more detailed assessment and appropriate interventions to optimize the management of urinary incontinence, thereby reducing the risk of job loss related to incontinence.