New thesis: Working life in people with multiple sclerosis

Hi Mia Forslin, PhD-student at the Division of Physiotherapy. On 8 March you will defend your thesis ”Working life in people with multiple sclerosis”, what's the main focus of the thesis?

In my thesis, I have explored working life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with focus on sustainable working life and quality of life when working and after ending working life.

Which are the most important results?

Working life is challenging for many people with MS. It is difficult to work and still have sufficient energy for leading their private life. Decreased activities in private life and increased perceived physical impact of MS may be early indications of difficulties with maintaining a sustainable working life. People with MS who do not work demonstrate a larger decrease in functioning compared to those working. They also rate lower acceptance of MS and lower life satisfaction.

How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?

More people needs to get the opportunity to stay longer in working life in a sustainable in a way, based in a holistic perspective including working life as well as private life. This may benefit health and quality of life in persons living with disability. For this to be possible, increased acceptance of flexible solutions in working life is needed in our society.

What´s in the future for you? Will you keep on conducting research?

I will continue with research and clinical development, and return to working as a physiotherapist. The clinical reality is my main driver for pursuing research.