Investigating Occupational Conditions and Socioeconomic Support of Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica in Iran; [بررسی شرایط شغلی و حمایت های اجتماعی- اقتصادی از بیماران مبتال به نورومیلیت ا]



Ayoubi S ; Salemi S ; Ali Sahraian M ; Tarjoman T ; Eskandarieh S
Source: Journal of Payavard Salamat Published:2026

Abstract

Background and Aim: Noncommunicable diseases are one of the most important public health challenges in the 21st century. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and can lead to permanent disability in young people. This disease is important due to its economic impact and reduced quality of life, and it is essential to understand its economic and social factors on these subjects. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study based on the population of Iranian NMO patients. The instrument of this study was a researcher-made questionnaire in English from Harvard University, USA, which was translated into Persian and re-translated into English (translate- retranslate technique). The samples included NMO patients registered in the Iranian National NMO Registry System at Sina Hospital in Tehran, who completed information about their employment, income, and socioeconomic status via telephone interviews. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The total number of samples was 70, with a mean age of 41.40 years with a standard deviation of 10.91 years. The majority of patients were women, with 71.4% (50 of 70) of patients being female and 28.6% (20 of 70) being male. Sixty-one-point four percent of patients (43 of 70) had lost their jobs due to NMO and 70% (49 of 70) had reduced their working hours. Also, 47.1% of patients (33 of 70) reported a decrease in their annual income. Thirty-two-point eight percent (23 of 70) had lost between 51% and 100% of their annual income due to this disease and 10% (7 of 70) of patients had no annual income. Eighteen point five percent (13 of 70) of patients no longer work outside home due to the occurrence of NMO disease. Overall, the effects of NMO on the reduction of employment, working hours and income of patients were significantly high. Conclusion: The results showed that NMO has serious effects on the employment and income status of these patients in Iran and they need more economic and social support. Considering the physical disabilities caused by this disease and the reduced ability to work, NMO patients should receive special social and economic support from government. Copyright © 2026 the Authors.