Priority employment concerns identified by Americans with MS residing in rural areas: Results of a national survey

BACKGROUND: This article presents descriptive findings from a sub-sample of 414 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) residing in rural areas that was derived from a national survey of the employment concerns of Americans with MS. OBJECTIVE: Respondents were asked to evaluate 38 employment concerns items on two dimensions, importance and satisfaction, for the purpose of identifying strengths and weaknesses in the employment policies and practices affecting the labor force participation of Americans with MS. RESULTS: Results revealed a total of 13 employment strengths and 25 employment weaknesses that must be addressed in direct service and advocacy efforts if more rural residents with MS are to continue their careers while coping with this intrusive and unpredictable disease. CONCLUSION: Implications of these findings for future rehabilitation programming and research are examined.