Developing a school based surveillance system for community-acquired MRSA

Background/study aims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more people die each year from methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections than from infections with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A recently released study reporting that community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) is much more common than previously thought has further raised concerns about how widespread the disease is and the potential for school outbreaks (Klevens, et. al. 2007). These seemingly innocuous skin infections may go unreported and untreated until they become systemic, life-threatening infections. The purpose of this community based participatory research (CBPR) study is to develop a model surveillance system to track the incidence of CA-MRSA among elementary school children. The specific aims are: 1) to describe the variables that will influence parental reporting of skin and soft tissue infection among culturally diverse elementary school children; and, 2) to establish a community advisory board (CAB) to guide and develop a school-based CA-MRSA surveillance system that is sensitive, pragmatic, and culturally competent.

Methods. This CBPR project conducts focus groups and individual interviews with English and Spanish speaking parents and school staff. Analysis of focus group and interview data is informed by grounded theory and qualitative field research methods. Data from participant demographic forms are being analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results. Findings will be presented to the community advisory board (CAB) for their input to inform the development of the surveillance program.

Conclusion. The goal of the project is to engage the community to participate in behavioral research and to generate a model program for elementary school surveillance of CA-MRSA. Accurate surveillance will allow future intervention to preempt disease progression.