abstract: 'Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and disabling

  neurological disorder, marked by recurrent attacks of the central

  nervous system. NMO has a high female predominance and

  disproportionately affects racial and ethnic groups who are under- and

  unemployed in the USA. Three focus groups, involving 20 working age

  adults with NMOSD in the USA, were convened via Zoom online, to discuss

  the topic of employment in NMOSD. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting

  Qualitative research (COREQ) were followed. Discussions were coded for

  major themes using an inductive approach. The following themes emerged:

  (1) Barriers due to NMOSD on employment including (i) visible and

  invisible symptoms, (ii) the burden of treatment, and (iii) time to

  diagnosis; (2) Mitigating factors when NMOSD affects employment; (3)

  Impact of COVID-19; (4) Impact on income; (5) Impact on new and future

  employment and higher education opportunities; and (6) Unmet needs that

  are pragmatically addressable, outside of major policy or scientific

  changes.'
affiliation: 'Mateen, FJ (Corresponding Author), Harvard Med Sch, Massachusetts Gen
  Hosp, Boston, MA 02115 USA.

  Mateen, Farrah J.; Hacker, Cristina Trapaga M., Harvard Med Sch, Massachusetts Gen
  Hosp, Boston, MA 02115 USA.'
article-number: '1142640'
author: Mateen, Farrah J. and Hacker, Cristina Trapaga M.
author-email: fmateen@mgh.harvard.edu
author_list:
- family: Mateen
  given: Farrah J.
- family: Hacker
  given: Cristina Trapaga M.
da: '2023-09-28'
doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1142640
files: []
issn: 1664-2295
journal: FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
keywords: 'neuromyelitis optica (NMO); employment; unemployment; disability;

  outcomes; qualitative research'
keywords-plus: JOB LOSS; WORK
language: English
month: MAR 9
number-of-cited-references: '13'
papis_id: 074b28fbc08220c1d84eb86157efc8e5
ref: Mateen2023understandingemploym
times-cited: '0'
title: 'Understanding the employment impact of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
  in the USA: Mixed methods'
type: Article
unique-id: WOS:000954587800001
usage-count-last-180-days: '0'
usage-count-since-2013: '0'
volume: '14'
web-of-science-categories: Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences
year: '2023'