Vocational rehabilitation service patterns and employment outcomes of people with epilepsy.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the association between vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and employment outcomes of people with epilepsy (PWE), after controlling for demographic covariates. Data was retrieved from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) database for fiscal year (FY) 2011. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict employment outcomes of PWE. Of the 2030 previously unemployed PWE who received services, 884 (43.5%) achieved successful competitive employment. Results indicate that higher education level and cost of VR services consumed were positively related to successful employment. In contrast, having co-occurring anxiety/depression, receiving cash benefits, or increasing time spent in the VR system was negatively associated with employment. Eight specific VR services (e.g., education, vocational training, and job search and placement assistance) were also found to be significant predictors of employment. Services provided by state VR agencies were proven to be beneficial in improving employment outcomes. PWE should be encouraged to pursue VR services to increase the chances of attaining employment. Health care providers should also become familiar with the array of VR services.

• Authors: Connie Sung, Veronica Muller, Jana E Jones, Fong Chan
• Journal: Epilepsy research (Epilepsy Res) Vol. 108 Issue 8 Pg. 1469-79 (Oct 2014) ISSN: 1872-6844 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 25048309 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Published by Elsevier B.V.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Databases, Factual (trends)
• Employment (trends)
• Epilepsy (epidemiology, psychology, rehabilitation)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Rehabilitation, Vocational (statistics & numerical data, trends)
• United States (epidemiology)
• Young Adult