Factors associated with employment in epilepsy patients

ObjectiveThe aim of the study described here was to determine those variables associated with employment in patients followed at a level 4 epilepsy center.MethodA survey was sent to patients seen at the University of Florida Health Science Center/Jacksonville Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.ResultsTwo hundred sixty-two eligible subjects constituted the study population. By univariate analysis, variables that distinguished employed patients included: younger age, Caucasian race, higher education and household income, not receiving disability benefits, currently studying, fewer seizure medications, having no other medical conditions that interfere with work, previous work experience, perceived importance of work for personal and financial reasons, and decreased fears of workplace discrimination. By logistic regression, higher annual family income, perceived importance of work for personal reasons, and decreased fears of workplace discrimination were the only variables independently associated with employment.ConclusionPsychosocial factors such as a high self-perceived importance of work and decreased fears of workplace discrimination are significantly associated with employment in epilepsy patients.