MRSA Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about MRSA, including details on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, hospitals, infection, antibiotic resistance, superbugs.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: awareness and perceptions.

Gill J, Kumar R, Todd J, Wiskin C

Division of Primary Care, Public and Occupational Health, Primary Care Clinical Sciences Building, School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.

The purpose of this study was to investigate levels of awareness and the perceived risk of contracting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) amongst patients/visitors and employees of the UK National Health Service (NHS). Differences between the two cohorts were also investigated, particularly sources of information about MRSA. In March 2005, a piloted questionnaire was circulated to 50 patients/visitors and 100 NHS employees (25 doctors, 25 nurses, 25 domestics and 25 porters). No information was returned from porters, but the overall response rate was 67%. There was a high level of awareness of MRSA among both patients/visitors (94%) and NHS employees (100%). General media was the most common source of information for patients/visitors (68%) compared with 24% of NHS employees (P < 0.01). Perceived risk of contracting MRSA was very similar among patients/visitors and NHS employees (34% vs 35%, P > 0.10). Fifty-two percent of doctors felt that they were at risk compared with 13% of domestic employees. In conclusion, this study showed a high level of awareness among the general public and healthcare workers alike.

Published 13 February 2006 in J Hosp Infect, 62(3): 333-7.
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