DARMSTADT, Germany, October 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
- M ultiple sclerosis diagnosis has a profound impact on life choices
including education, career, family planning and relationships
- Almost 90% of women say multiple sclerosis played a role in their separation or divorce following diagnosis
- Policy interventions could help address significant gender-specific challenges
Merck, a leading science and technology company, will present results of a new report investigating the socioeconomic impact
of multiple sclerosis (MS) on Women in Europe, today at the 7th Joint ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS
Meeting, in France. Results from the report include evidence of the full range of impacts that
MS has on the lives of women, their families and their role in society.
"Evidence shows that, although women are twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis than men, the
gender-specific burden of the disease in women needs further research and understanding," said Raj Kannan, Senior Vice President,
Global Head of Neurology and Immunology, at the biopharma business of Merck. "Merck commissioned this report to address, in
particular, the specific challenges multiple sclerosis imposes on women."
The report involved a three-step process: a review of existing literature; an interview program with patient organizations;
and a bespoke survey among 807 women with MS across eight countries in Europe including:
Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK; with an aim to investigate the many ways MS
affects the life choices of female patients. The report also looked at sources and types of support, unmet needs in the
community, and considered whether there are policy implications that would improve the environment for women with MS.
The report found that there is a disproportionate impact of MS on women versus men particularly in terms of diagnosis and
co-morbidities, life choices and relationships, caregiving and employment. In addition, there is to-date, little recognition of
this specific impact on women and, in many areas, little support to mitigate these burdens. Key findings of the report
included:
Being diagnosed with MS is challenging for women
An average diagnosis of MS in women requires around half a year and five visits to healthcare professionals. Over one-fifth
(21%) of women surveyed for the report were misdiagnosed with a different illness prior to being diagnosed with MS. The delay to
a definitive diagnosis of MS can adversely impact both the longer-term course of the disease and quality of life; as early
intervention in MS ultimately means better outcomes. Overall delays in diagnosis also create a period of uncertainty, affecting
emotional states and life decisions including careers, family and social relationships.
MS has an impact on the life choices that women make regarding relationships and family planning
The report revealed that, since being diagnosed with MS, over two-fifths (41%) of women surveyed had separated or divorced
from their partner. Of these women, the vast majority (88%) reported that MS had played a factor in their decision. Furthermore,
on average, over one third (36%) surveyed, either decided not to have any, or altered the timing at which they had children. This
decision is also compounded by availability of treatment choice, particularly pre- and post-pregnancy.
MS has an impact on the role of women as a primary caregiver
Of the number of women surveyed for the report, 69% of those that had caregiving responsibilities experienced diminished
ability to maintain this role due to the disease. This lost or reduced ability to care for others is an impactful issue for
women, causing emotional distress particularly if related to childcare, and can also have a significant impact on the children
and other family members involved.
MS imposes a significant economic cost on women with MS
Almost two-thirds (66%), of women surveyed reported that MS had, at some point, affected their employment status. Of these
women, two fifths (38%) had left employment altogether. As a result, those with MS are much more likely to have a 'below average'
household income. Due to these impacts and given the higher prevalence of MS among women, the employment losses are substantial,
compared to men.
Awareness building , and policy intervention to address challenges of MS for women a re a
critical first step
Improved public understanding and awareness, is regarded as critical by women with MS. Many women report adverse reactions
from their friends and co-workers, which can lead to feelings of exclusion and discrimination. Furthermore, specific policy
interventions could be considered to improve understanding and awareness, and ensure that women with MS get the best support to
help them with diagnosis, family, social and daily life and in the workplace, as well as to reduce the broader societal impact
linked to these challenges.
Further insight into the socioeconomic impacts and gender-specific issues, also covered in the report, including life choices
(education, career, family planning), employment, social and family interactions, country comparisons and policy implications can
be found in the wider report available at http://www.merckgroup.com/en/news.html#businessUnit-business:healthcare,newsType-ALL,year-ALL,month-ALL,page-0,filter-news
About ' The Socioeconomic Impact of MS on Women in Europe '
Report
The report, commissioned by Merck and undertaken by Charles River Associates, London, UK was
carried out in a three step approach in collaboration with MS associations, across eight markets: Czech
Republic; France; Germany; Italy; Poland; Spain; Sweden and the UK. The countries included cover 72 percent of the total European population with MS, and 77
percent of the estimated number of women with MS in Europe.
The approach to the report involved a literature review; a second step, to capture the local challenges and policy debate in
different markets, in a targeted interview program with national patient associations and patient representatives; and third and
final step, of an online survey of 807 women with MS across the eight European countries of interest designed with the input of
national and European MS patient associations, sought to collect socioeconomic data to illustrate the impact of MS on women and
to identify any unmet policy needs.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common,
non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people have MS
worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and
problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.
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About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000
employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer
or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD
televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of € 15.0 billion in 66 countries.
Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority
owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are
the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD
Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.
Contact: Erin-Marie Beals, +49-151-1454-2694
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