Date of Award
Spring 5-13-2016
Degree Type
Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Department
Public Health
First Advisor
Dr. Richard Rothenberg
Second Advisor
Dr. Lisa Casanova
Abstract
Background
Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of hospital acquired infections. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the second most common healthcare associated infection in the healthcare system. A bacterium resistant to the antibiotic drug, methicillin, MRSA can make treatment for serious chronic illnesses difficult, leading to morbidity and mortality.
Objective
The primary purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of all research articles pertaining to the effectiveness of personal hygiene and environmental decontamination in controlling the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Methods
Databases PubMed, Global Health, and Medline were searched for research articles relevant to reducing MRSA acquisition using personal hygiene practices or environmental decontamination procedure. The keywords MSRA, MDRO, decontamination, hygiene, prevention, and clean were used to assist in identifying these articles. Full text articles were assessed to ensure they met inclusion criteria. Data was collected from each article regarding study time, location, outcome of interest, statistical result, and study design.
Results
Of the articles included in this systematic review, 9 of 10 reported a significant decrease in MRSA acquisition in a healthcare or correctional facility setting after implementation of improved personal hygiene practices or environmental decontamination. There is an increased need for compliance with appropriate hygiene practices in a healthcare setting by healthcare workers. Further research needs to be conducted on the cost effectiveness of decontamination processes and educational programs to encourage compliance with MRSA policies that are already set in place by hospitals worldwide.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/8521868
Recommended Citation
Green, Rhe'a, "A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Environmental Decontamination and Personal Hygiene Practices in Reducing Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Acquisition." , Georgia State University, 2016.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/8521868