Women with multiple sclerosis and the importance and satisfaction they ascribe to selected employment concerns: Results from a national survey

This article presents descriptive findings from a sub-sample of 1,512 women with multiple sclerosis (MS) that was derived from a national survey of the employment concerns of Americans with MS. Female 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 women with MS. Results revealed a total of 16 employment strengths and 22 employment weaknesses that must be addressed in direct service and advocacy efforts if more women with MS are to continue their careers while coping with such an intrusive and unpredictable disease. Implications of these findings for future rehabilitation programming and research are examined.