Employability situation in patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in Brazil

• Grant number: 17/09586-9
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal researcher: Denis Bernardi Bichuetti
• Grantee: Carolina Martines Estrutti
• Home Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, presenting a chronic evolution with periods of exacerbation throughout life. MS affects people at the peak of their productive life, between 20 and 40 years, and causes permanent neurological incapacity in the long term, thus being a potentially disabling disease that occurs in a population of economically active age. These facts call attention to the issue of quality of life and autonomy of patients, not only in personal life but also in the issue of income maintenance, remunerated activities and employment relationship. With an interest in understanding the occupational and employment situation of Brazilian patients before and after the diagnostic confirmation of multiple sclerosis, we intend to carry out a cross-sectional study using electronic mail, including 12 questions about the occupational status of these patients. (AU)