Employment, work hours, and wages in adults with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease: An international cohort study

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives were to understand the employment impacts of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated antibody disease (MOGAD) on adults in an international cohort by determining lost employment, work hours, and wages.

Background: Clinically, MOGAD can be associated with significant disability; however, its socioeconomic consequences for adults are barely reported.

Methods: Participants of potential working age (18-70 years old) with neurologist-diagnosed MOGAD were recruited from clinical sites in 13 countries, April 2022 to August 2023. Each participant completed a one-time survey. Regression models assessed associations with post-MOGAD (1) unemployment and (2) work hours.

Results: A total of 117 participants (66.7% female), mean age 39.7 years, median disease duration 3 years (25th, 75th percentile: 1, 7) were analyzed. Employment post-MOGAD reduced from 74 (63.2%) to 57 (48.7%) participants. Participants employed pre-diagnosis reduced their work hours, on average, from 31.6 hours/week to 19.5 hours/week post-diagnosis. Residence in a high-income country was statistically significantly associated with post-diagnosis employment and higher weekly work hours. Depressed mood was associated with unemployment. MOGAD-related pain and history of myelitis were independently associated with lost work hours.

Conclusion: MOGAD can have significant impacts on adult employment, particularly in non-high-income countries. Depressed mood and pain are potentially modifiable factors related to socioeconomic status in MOGAD.

Keywords: Employment; income; myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease; neurology; outcomes; socioeconomic status.