Living with multiple sclerosis in South Africa: how is multiple sclerosis experienced in the workplace?

‶You look really good, I don't know why you came here″: persons with multiple sclerosis´ perspectives on social support

The aim of this qualitative study is to gain insight into the perspectives of persons with multiple sclerosis on social support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven persons with multiple sclerosis. The results on informal support for persons with multiple sclerosis reveal perceived support and the lack of support from different persons. The results on formal support for persons with multiple sclerosis show perceived support from healthcare professionals, professionals working outside healthcare and social care systems, and associations of persons with MS, but also inadequate support from healthcare professionals and social workers. Close emotional relationship, empathy, knowledge and understanding are the basis for provision of all types of support from informal support system, while perceived support from formal support system is based on professionals´ empathy, their professionalism and knowledge. Persons with multiple sclerosis need accurate and timely emotional, informational, practical and financial support.

Unravelling the Complexities of Workplace Disclosure Among Persons with Non-Visible Disabilities and Illnesses: A Qualitative Meta-Ethnography

BACKGROUND

Deciding whether and how to disclose a disability at work for persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses involve complex processes. Research has focused on antecedents and outcomes of disclosure. More research is needed to understand the lived experiences related to disclosure decision-making and actual navigation of disclosure and concealment at work.

PURPOSE

To understand the experiences of persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses regarding workplace disclosure decision-making, navigating disclosure and/or concealment, and experiential differences across disability and illness types, ages, geographic locations, and genders.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative meta-synthesis using Noblit and Hare's seven steps of meta-ethnography. Searches were conducted via six databases. Studies were analyzed to develop conceptual categories, third-order constructs (themes), and a line-of-argument with comparisons drawn from the disclosure decision making model, disclosure process model, and consideration of disability and illness types, genders, ages, and geographic locations.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies were included involving 489 participants, aged 16 to 81, from nine countries, focusing on one non-visible disability or illness, or multiple. We developed four themes for the disclosure decision-making process (self- and other-focused, experiential, and environmental/workplace factors) and two themes for the disclosure/concealment event (disclosure/concealment logistics and timing) and noted emerging trends across ages, genders, disability and illness types, and geographic locations.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge obtained could be used among professionals who support persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses to help them navigate disclosure at work, and to consider the role of age, genders, disability and illness types, and geographic locations on disclosure.