ATTITUDE OF HEALTHCARE STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS MRSA AND OTHER MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT INFECTIONS IN HOSPITALS.
Keywords:
Attitude, Health care students, Healthcare professionals, multidrug resistant infectionsAbstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant challenges to infection control in hospitals. Understanding healthcare workers’ attitudes is crucial for designing effective interventions. Objective: To assess the attitudes of healthcare students and professionals towards MRSA and MDROs in tertiary care hospitals in India.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 participants: 100 MBBS students/interns, 100 nursing students, and 100 technical staff (nurses and technicians) across four tertiary care hospitals. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to MRSA and MDROs.
Results: Overall, 72% of respondents recognized MRSA as a serious public health threat. Positive attitudes towards infection control were highest among nursing students (82%), followed by MBBS students/interns (76%), and technical staff (58%). However, only 45% reported consistent adherence to hand hygiene protocols. Fear of personal infection was reported by 61% of participants, while 39% expressed concern about inadequate institutional support. Conclusion: While awareness of MRSA and MDROs is relatively high, gaps remain in attitudes and practices,
particularly among technical staff. Targeted educational interventions and stronger institutional infection control policies are recommended
