Maintaining functional working memory through job activities: A study among patients with schizophrenia enrolled in a supported employment program

BACKGROUND: Employment is crucial in rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia. It may have positive effects on cognitive function, including working memory. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to look for evidence to confirm continuous job activities could maintain functional working memory in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with schizophrenia enrolled in supported employment (SE) program. Informed consent was obtained. Socio-demographic, employment, and clinical data were acquired from interview and clinical notes. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (M.I.N.I) was used to confirm the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Working memory was evaluated using Weschler Memory Scale Third Edition -Letter-Number Span and Spatial Span. RESULTS: 118 patients were recruited with a mean age of 43.76 years old (SD = 8.96). Most were male, Malays, Muslims, single, and received at least secondary education. There was a significant association between working memory and employment outcome (χ 2 = 20.835, p <  .001), and past work history (χ 2 = 10.077, p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression indicated that the employment outcome (adjusted OR: 12.50; 95% CI: 2.55–61.21; p = 0.002) and past work history (adjusted OR: 3.36; 95% CI: 1.05–10.70; p = 0.041) were significant predictors of working memory among patients with schizophrenia in SE program. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that continuous job activities could maintain functional working memory in patients with schizophrenia.