Employment status and labour productivity losses associated with myasthenia gravis: an observational study

To describe employment status and labour productivity losses among working-age patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in Spain and to identify factors associated with the likelihood of being employed. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentre observational study using a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed to patients with MG during routine neurology consultations between October 2023 and February 2024. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical variables, self-perceived health status, and employment situation were collected. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with employment. Labour productivity losses were estimated using the human capital approach, based on age- and gender-adjusted employment rates from the general Spanish population. A total of 122 working-age patients were included. Although 96.5% had previous work experience, only 54.9% were employed at the time of the study, while 31.2% were receiving permanent work disability benefits. Higher educational attainment (+ 19.1% points) and better self-perceived health status (+ 34.9% points) were positively associated with employment. Treatment-refractory disease was negatively associated with employment (− 43.6% points). The estimated mean annual productivity loss per patient was €4,502.40. MG is associated with substantial reductions in employment and measurable productivity losses among working-age patients. The observed associations between clinical and patient-reported factors and employment outcomes may have implications for disease management, work capacity, and disability-related health policy, including strategies aimed at supporting labour market participation.