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A Dutch validation study of the multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

  • Elianne Van Egmond*
  • , Dennis Van Gorp
  • , Cynthia Honan
  • , Marco Heerings
  • , Peter Jongen
  • , Jac Van Der Klink
  • , Michiel Reneman
  • , Ernesto Beenakker
  • , Stephan Frequin
  • , Koen De Gans
  • , Gerald Hengstman
  • , Elske Hoitsma
  • , Jop Mostert
  • , Wim Verhagen
  • , Désirée Zemel
  • , Huub Middelkoop
  • , Leo Visser
  • , Karin Van Der Hiele
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose
The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23).

Methods
Two hundred and thirty-nine employed persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 59 healthy controls completed the MSWDQ-23. To verify the factor structure, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. To assess construct validity, the MSWDQ-23 scores were correlated to measures of physical disability, fatigue, cognitive and neuropsychiatric problems, depression, health-related quality of life, and work-related variables. MSWDQ-23 scores were compared within different age groups, gender, education levels, and job types. Predictive validity was assessed using a logistic regression analysis to predict a deterioration in employment status after one year based on MSWDQ-23 scores.

Results
The internal consistency of the MSWDQ-23 was acceptable (α = 0.913, 95% CI = 0.897–0.928) and the results indicated a fair fit. The MSWDQ-23 showed acceptable construct validity, confirming 94% of the hypotheses. The total scale and the psychological/cognitive subscale were able to predict a deterioration in employment status after one year (χ2(1)=18.164, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The Dutch version of the MSWDQ-23 is a valid and internally consistent instrument to measure self-reported work difficulties in persons with MS.

Implications for rehabilitation
The Dutch version of the 23-item Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire (MSWDQ-23) is a reliable and valid tool to measure self-reported work difficulties in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
More psychological and cognitive work difficulties are predictive of a deteriorated employment status after one year.
The MSWDQ-23 is a helpful tool for researchers and (occupational) health professionals to identify current work difficulties in persons with MS and identify persons at risk for a deterioration in employment one year later.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1924-1933
JournalDisability and Rehabilitation
Volume43
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • WORK
  • suveys and questionnaires
  • EMPLOYMENT STATUS
  • Validation Studies

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