This article is part of the supplement: 28th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
What do people really know about MRSA? A survey of knowledge and attitudes in the general public and hospital visitors
Adelaide Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Critical Care 2008, 12(Suppl 2):P2 doi:10.1186/cc6223
The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://ccforum.com/content/12/S2/P2
| Published: | 13 March 2008 |
© 2008 BioMed Central Ltd
Introduction
We set out to assess current understanding of MRSA among the lay public prior to writing an information booklet for relatives of patients in the ICU.
Methods
Trained researchers approached potential participants in the hospital entrance and public places to complete the questionnaire.
Result
Of 545 participants who completed the questionnaire, 24 had never heard of MRSA and 521 remained (176 visitors, 345 general public); 4.9% (n = 26) had previously contracted MRSA. The median age was 37 (21–49) years. The cohort first heard of MRSA 24 (± 18) months previously. The most common sources of information were television and newspapers. Participants who had MRSA thought that the shortage of beds contributed to MRSA transmission (84% vs 69%). 46.3% of the public versus 16% of the MRSA group did not expect to acquire MRSA after routine surgery (P = 0.0095). Most participants (65.3% of the public, 70% of visitors and 52% of the MRSA group) thought MRSA was serious. Ninety-two percent of the MRSA group worried about transmission to family members. 3.6% of the cohort would not know where to find more information.
Conclusion
MRSA is considered serious, information is obtained through the media, and most participants can obtain further information.