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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among caregivers of
Arnab Sengupta1, Cynthia Rand, Trish M Perl
1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Insights
Many caregivers of hospitalized children with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are unaware of their child's infection. Those aware often worry about risks and spread, needing more education and reassurance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Patient Education
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant risk in pediatric hospital settings.
- Understanding caregiver knowledge and attitudes is crucial for effective MRSA management and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of caregivers regarding MRSA in hospitalized children.
- To identify specific concerns and educational needs among caregivers of children with MRSA.
Main Methods:
- A bedside questionnaire was administered to caregivers of children hospitalized with MRSA colonization or infection.
- Data collected included caregiver awareness of MRSA status, knowledge, and expressed concerns.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of caregivers (29%) were unaware of their child's MRSA status.
- Among aware caregivers, 89% expressed concerns, including future infection risks (77%) and transmission (51%).
- Caregivers of children newly diagnosed with MRSA reported higher levels of worry.
Conclusions:
- A substantial gap exists in caregiver awareness of pediatric MRSA diagnoses.
- Caregivers of children with MRSA experience significant anxiety, highlighting the need for targeted education and support.
- Interventions should focus on improving communication and providing reassurance, particularly for newly diagnosed cases.
Objectives:
To explore knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among caregivers of hospitalized children with regard to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Study Design:
We developed and administered a bedside questionnaire to caregivers of hospitalized children in contact isolation for MRSA colonization or infection.
Results:
Of 104 caregivers approached, 100 (96%) consented to participate. The caregivers' children included 28 (28%) newly recognized as colonized or infected with MRSA during the hospitalization and 72 (72%) previously identified as colonized or infected with MRSA. Eighteen (18%) caregivers had no knowledge of MRSA. Twenty-nine (29%) were unaware that their child had MRSA, including caregivers of 9 newly identified patients with MRSA and 20 patients with previously identified MRSA. Of the 71 caregivers aware of their child's MRSA status, 89% had concerns; 77% worried about risks of future MRSA infection, 51% worried about spreading MRSA, and 16% described a feeling of stigma. Worries were more common among caregivers of children with newly identified MRSA (P < .05).
Conclusion:
Caregivers of children hospitalized with MRSA are frequently unaware that their child has MRSA. Among those aware of their child's MRSA status, many have concerns and worries. Caregivers of children with newly identified MRSA more often are worried and may need additional education and reassurance.
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