Vocational status of multiple sclerosis patients in Israel.

In a research study, the vocational status of 172 patients with multiple sclerosis who were from 20 to 50 years of age was evaluated. These patients constituted 35% of the total population having multiple sclerosis in Israel. Ninety-four are working and 78 are unemployed. In the unemployed group, 41 are severely disabled but 37 have working potential. No rational explanation could be found in the demographic, vocational or educational backgrounds for the unemployment of the 37 patients. It is suggested that a vocational rehabilitation program at the onset of the patient's disability may prevent eventual unemployment.