Characteristics Associated With Perceived Underemployment Among Participants With Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this study was to identify job characteristics related to perceived underemployment among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), while controlling for demographic, MS-related, and educational factors. Adults with MS, all of whom were a minimum 1-year post diagnosis, <65, and employed at the time of the study ( n = 585), participated. Perceived underemployment was measured by a single dichotomous variable (yes/no). A restricted model with only demographic, MS, and educational factors explained 8.5% of the variance, whereas the full model with vocational factors explained 26.1%. Only race-ethnicity and fatigue were significant in the restricted model, with greater odds of underemployment among Black non-Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0), Hispanic/other (OR = 2.7), and for those reporting fatigue (OR = 2.2). In the final model, the odds of underemployment were lower for those with higher income (≥US$75,000, OR = 0.28) and those in jobs with promotion and recognition (OR = 0.41); with greater odds of underemployment for those with higher education (bachelors or higher, OR = 2.2) and working in professional/managerial occupations (OR = 1.9). Perceived underemployment was related to several quality employment indicators including lower earnings, lesser advancement and/or recognition, higher education, and working in professional/managerial occupations.