Stigma, Discrimination and Disclosure of the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in the Workplace: A Systematic Review

Bruno Kusznir Vitturi, Alborz Rahmani, Guglielmo Dini, Alfredo Montecucco, Nicoletta Debarbieri, Paolo Bandiera, Michela Ponzio, Mario Alberto Battaglia, Benedetta Persechino, Matilde Inglese and Paolo Durando
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Bruno Kusznir Vitturi: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Alborz Rahmani: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Guglielmo Dini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Alfredo Montecucco: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Nicoletta Debarbieri: Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Paolo Bandiera: Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association (AISM), 16126 Genoa, Italy
Michela Ponzio: Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), 16126 Genoa, Italy
Mario Alberto Battaglia: Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), 16126 Genoa, Italy
Benedetta Persechino: Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00078 Rome, Italy
Matilde Inglese: Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Paolo Durando: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-14

Abstract: The objective of the study was to describe and analyze the stigma, discrimination and the disclosure of the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the workplace. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022320437). We systematically searched four scientific databases with key search terms. We included any original peer-reviewed articles reporting the stigma or discrimination experienced at work due to MS or the disclosure of the diagnosis of MS in the workplace. No time limits were set for the search. An appraisal of the individual study quality was performed with the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Overall, 26 studies were deemed to fulfil all the eligibility criteria. The total number of participants in this review was 9571. The prevalence of people with MS who experience some degree of stigma in the workplace can be as high as 79.2%. Those who report greater feelings of discrimination are more likely to be unemployed. The prevalence of employers’ and co-workers’ awareness of the diagnosis varies from 31.7 to 90.2%. The main reason for non-disclosure is the fear of being discriminated against. The psychosocial work environment needs to be taken into consideration as part of public and individual policies to promote the health of patients with MS.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; demyelinating disease; work; occupational medicine; stigma; discrimination; job; neurology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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