MRSA Among Athletes: A Comprehensive Prevention Program

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) disease as well as other transmissible infections represent a demonstrated risk among high school, college, and professional athletes. Addressing this issue requires a process that includes assessment, intervention, and evaluation and involves collaboration between public health, academia, and business expertise. We developed a program to evaluate the Athletic Departments at two Universities located in a large mid-western city. A questionnaire was developed and administered to over 600 male and female athletes participating on football, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis or lacrosse teams in order to identify current knowledge and attitudes regarding MRSA, transmission opportunities, and personal hygiene practices. Athletic trainers for those teams were also assessed. An assessment tool was developed to guide environmental evaluation of the practice, training, shower, medical and laundry facilities and assisted in identifying targeted areas for improvement. Using results from the questionnaire and environmental evaluation, education sessions were held for these teams that provided specific information regarding infection transmission and practices the athletes should adopt in order to prevent infection and transmission associated with participation in athletics. Results of those assessments and feedback during the education sessions further guided the development of interventions specific to the needs of the athletes and the Universities. Our program demonstrates the need to further develop standards and elements of performance that can be used by all athletic facilities as MRSA, as well as other transmissible infections, continue to impact this population.