Financial hardship is associated with employment challenges and reduced quality of life in early Parkinson’s disease

Introduction

Motor and nonmotor Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms can negatively influence employment, which may contribute to financial hardship. This article explores the association between financial hardship, employment challenges, and quality of life in people with early PD.

Methods

We measured financial hardship with a validated summary item (5-point scale, lower score - less hardship) and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (0–44, lower score worse toxicity) in a cohort of 60 employed individuals with early PD (<5 years). We used Spearman’s Correlations and nonparametric tests to identify associations between financial hardship, demographic characteristics, PD-related factors, employment factors, and quality of life (Neuro-QOL computer adapted measures).

Results

The sample was mostly white (93 %) and male (65 %). The plurality were highly-educated with graduate degrees (42 %). Of the 60 participants, 23 (38 %) reported a little bit and 14 (23 %) reported somewhat or more hardship. Comprehensive financial toxicity (22.0 ± 8.7) was correlated moderately (ρ = −0.56) with the single-item summary score. High financial hardship was associated with reduced confidence in job retention (ρ = −0.43, p = 0.001) and reduced perceived workplace success (ρ = −0.352, p = 0.006). Financial hardship was also associated with poorer quality of life in five Neuro-QOL domains: lower extremity function, satisfaction with social roles and activities, depression, anxiety, and stigma (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Financial hardship was common and was associated with employment challenges and poor quality of life. Further work should explore the effects of medical and psychosocial interventions to alleviate financial and employment challenges in individuals with early PD.