Prevention of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection among Asian/Pacific Islanders: a qualitative assessment.
BACKGROUND
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has been increasingly reported over the past decade, including in Asian/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs).


METHODS
We conducted ethnographic interviews in O'ahu and Kaua'i, Hawai'i, with 10 Asian/Pacific Islanders identified as having a history of CA-MRSA infections.


RESULTS
Most (7/10) thought skin infections were not a new problem in Hawai'i. Most (8/9) attempted to self-treat the infection prior to seeking medical care with a range of home remedies and store- bought solutions. Most respondents did not initially comprehend the severity of their infection and only sought medical treatment after concern from family, unbearable pain, and/or other symptoms of illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be aware of the reportedly frequent use of home remedies by this population, as it may potentially contribute to interactions when treatments are combined. If clinicians and public health professionals do not address perceptions and misperceptions of how MRSA is acquired, it will be very difficult to prevent infection, and may also delay individuals from seeking treatment.
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. rciccarone@cdc.gov
Rachel M
RM
Ciccarone
Mary
M
Kim
Alan D
AD
Tice
Michele
M
Nakata
Paul
P
Effler
Daniel B
DB
Jernigan
Denise M
DM
Cardo
Ronda L
RL
Sinkowitz-Cochran
D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D008875:Middle Aged; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; D012648:Self Care; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult