Empowering yet challenging
Managing multiple sclerosis in the workplace—an interview study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22083440 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jessica Dervish (0000-0001-6544-6888, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Veronica Svärd (0000-0002-3868-0254, Södertörn University), Kyla A McKay (0000-0002-9081-1522, Karolinska University Hospital), Alejandra Machado (0000-0001-8957-661X, Karolinska Institutet), Alejandra J Machado (Karolinska Institutet), Agneta Wennman-Larsen (Sophiahemmet University College), Emilie Friberg (0000-0001-7874-4243, Karolinska Institutet) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1643923-1643923 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-22 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1643923 |
| PMID | 41657694 |
| OpenAlex | W7125390808 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 45 |
Background: Having a chronic disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) may pose challenges for affected individuals in their work life. Given its progressive nature and wide range of symptoms, living with MS requires ongoing adaptation. In addition to work accommodations and support, individuals may develop their own strategies to manage their condition at work. Objectives: To explore experiences of people with MS (PwMS) in managing MS in the workplace, focusing on strategies they employ to facilitate their work lives and challenges they navigate. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were held with 16 working PwMS in Sweden. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified that highlight strategies for managing MS. The theme "Adapting to MS", included statements on how self-reflection led to strategies more aligned with health needs and understanding the best practices and pitfalls of managing a chronic disease. "Taking responsibility in the workplace" described the participants' commitment to protect their health at work, and efforts made to create an environment more conducive to MS, and last, "Approaching sustainability" included reports on making sustainable choices in relation to work life. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the experiences of those living and working with MS. The results demonstrate the active agency in managing their condition. PwMS employed various strategies; concentrating on adapting to MS mentally and practically, taking an active stance for their health, and making choices based not only on their current health status but also on potential future circumstances
Empowerment · MEDLINE · Multiple Chronic Conditions · Multiple sclerosis · Qualitative research · Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies · Occupational Therapy Practice and Research · Systemic Sclerosis and Related Diseases
Self-management approaches for people with chronic conditions
Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern‐based qualitative analytic approaches
Disclosing or concealing multiple sclerosis in the workplace
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Workplace narratives of South African employees with multiple sclerosis
Conducting In-Depth Interviews via Mobile Phone with Persons with Common Mental Disorders and Multimorbidity
Supporting employees with chronic conditions to stay at work
Expanding Qualitative Research Interviewing Strategies
Self-Management
Managing chronic illness at home
Chronic illness as biographical disruption
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |