Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: The Effects Are More Than Skin Deep

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the psychosocial effects of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) diagnosis on the households of children with MRSA skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI).

Study design: We constructed and administered an interview to the primary caregiver within the home of a child with a history of MRSA SSTI.

Results: Seventy-six households were enrolled. Survey responses were analyzed and grouped into 4 themes: health behavior changes, disclosure, social interactions, and knowledge/awareness. The most common theme was disclosure; 91% of participants reported sharing their child's MRSA diagnosis with someone outside of the household. Forty-two percent of respondents reported a change in the manner in which household contacts interacted as a result of the index patient's MRSA diagnosis, including isolating the index patient from other children in the household. Many households reported adopting enhanced personal hygiene behaviors and environmental cleaning routines. Thirty-eight percent of participating households reported altering how they interact with people outside of their home, largely to avoid spreading MRSA to vulnerable individuals. In addition, many participants perceived that others regarded them with caution, especially at daycare, whereas other affected households were excluded from family gatherings.

Conclusion: Primary caregivers of children with MRSA SSTI reported changing their health behaviors, altering their interactions with people outside of their home, and feeling isolated by others in response to their child's MRSA diagnosis. The findings of our study highlight a need for community interventions and education to prevent the negative psychosocial repercussions associated with MRSA.

Keywords: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; psychosocial effects; social isolation.

Figure 1. Effects of MRSA on household contacts and pets

The above figure displays the survey questions answered by study participants. N denotes the number of responses. The bar graph on the right indicates the percent of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ responses.

Figure 2. Concern and worry about MRSA recurrence and spread

A. The above figure shows the answer responses to the open-ended question asked to study participants and the percent of responses. The responses presented in quotation marks denote exact quotes pulled from the interview transcripts of study participants. B. The above figure displays the Likert Scale answer options to two survey questions posed to study participants and the percent of responses.