Abstract:
Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is resistant to beta-lactam
antibiotics. Infections with MRSA increases the mortality of patients greater than due to
infections with methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Healthcare workers seems to be a
main mode of spreading MRSA within healthcare systems.
Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices among Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
nurses at National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) regarding the managment of MRSA
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 ICUs in NHSL, among 265
nurses. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive
statistics and Chi-square test was performed for data analysis using SPSS version 24.
Results: Majority were females (87.2%), Sinhalese (98.9%) and married (62.6%). Majority
have been educated up to diploma (82.6%) and 68.7% were in nursing grade III. The 69% had
working experience of less than 10 years. Findings revealed that 52% nurses are having very
good knowledge, 87% are having very good practices and 43.3% are having moderate attitudes
regarding MRSA management. Majority knew, MRSA is a gram positive bacterium and hand
hygine is the most important measure in disease prevention. Two third (65%) accepted that
healthcare providers are highly involved in disease spreading. Around 72% was aware on
treatment of MRSA skin carriage with topical or oral antibiotics. Awareness on barrier nursing
was satisfactory among 77%. The 62% were aware of importance of personnel protective
equipment and dedicated equipment in patient care. There was a significant relationship
between knowledge on MRSA with grade (p = 0.02) and years of experience (p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Knowledge and practices regarding MRSA among ICU nurses at NHSL was
satisfactory and the knowledge was directly influenced by the yeasrs of experience and grade.
