The PDDS scale measures patient-reported disability in persons with MS (pwMS). Evidence suggests that reported increases in MS symptom severity adversely impact work productivity (Glanz 2012); it is unknown how employment status varies by disability level (Bessing 2021). Examining work productivity by PDDS provides a better understanding of disease burden in pwMS. 

The sample included all participants aged 18–62 years in the US who responded to North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis survey at least once in Fall 2017–Fall 2019 and reported PDDS score and employment status. If multiple surveys were available, the most recent was analyzed. Employment outcomes in the 6 months before the survey, including employment status, hours worked per week, any cutback in hours, number of missed workdays and receipt of disability benefits, were summarized overall and by PDDS score.

The sample included 3870 pwMS across all PDDS scores (normal, 21%; mild, 17%; moderate, 11%; gait disability, 13%; early cane, 12%; late cane, 8%; bilateral support: 8%, wheelchair/scooter, 10%; bedridden, 1%). Overall, 47% of pwMS were employed full/part-time in the prior 6 months. The proportion of pwMS who were employed declined from 81% in pwMS with a normal PDDS score and 69% with mild disability to 12% in pwMS with wheelchair/scooter and 0% in bedridden pwMS. Among all employed pwMS, 73% worked >30 hours/week, 16% cutback hours and 38% missed workdays in the prior 6 months. Receipt of disability benefits increased rapidly from 9% in pwMS with normal scores to 96% in bedridden pwMS.

PwMS with more disability were less likely to be employed and reported lower work productivity. Interventions that can address MS disability may result in slower declines in work productivity.