https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2089-303X
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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.
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.
Implications for rehabilitation
Acknowledgements
We thank the participants for their collaboration and time. Also, we would like to thank the neurologists, MS (research) nurses and psychologists for their help with data collection. Finally, we thank Elise Dusseldorp (Associate Professor at Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Methodology and Statistics) for statistical consultancy.
Disclosure statement
EvE, CH, MH, JvdK, MR, EB, KdG, JM, HM: declare no conflicts of interest.
D.A.M. van Gorp: received honoraria for presentations from Sanofi Genzyme.
P.J. Jongen: honoraria from Bayer, Merck Serono and Teva for contributions to symposia as a speaker or for education or consultancy activities.
S.T.F.M. Frequin: honoraria for lectures, grants for research, and advisory boards from Teva, Merck Serono, Sanofi Genzyme, Biogen, Novartis, and Roche.
G.J.D. Hengstman: grants and personal fees from Biogen, Novartis, Teva, Merck Serono, and Sanofi Genzyme.
E. Hoitsma: honoraria for lectures, travel grants and honoraria for advisory boards from Novartis, Teva, Roche, Merck Serono, Sanofi Genzyme, Biogen and Bayer.
J.P. Mostert: no conflicts of interest.
W.I.M. Verhagen: honoraria for lectures from Biogen and Merck Serono, reimbursement for hospitality from Biogen, Teva, Sanofi Genzyme and Merck Serono, and honoraria for advisory boards from Merck Serono.
D. Zemel: honoraria for advisory boards from Novartis, Merck Serono, Sanofi Genzyme and Biogen.
L.H. Visser: honoraria for lectures, grants for research and honoraria for advisory boards from Sanofi Genzyme, Merck Serono, Novartis and Teva.
K. van der Hiele: honoraria for consultancies, presentations and advisory boards from Sanofi Genzyme and Merck Serono.
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, E.E.A. van Egmond, upon a reasonable request.