Abstract
Academic literature has recorded increased microbial resistance in the United States and recent news media has adversely portrayed
men who have sex with men (MSM) at increased risk for community associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (CA-MRSA) transmission. CA-MRSA is a specific type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, which limits treatment options
for those needing clinical care. Infection can manifest as painful abscesses and can cause severe illness. With increased
CA-MRSA infections overall, and attention given to MSM populations regarding CA-MRSA, as well as the fact that limited data
on sociocultural factors that may facilitate transmission, we undertook a qualitative study to explore contextual influences
that may fuel infection among MSM in New York City so that public health professionals can better recognize, and respond appropriately
to, potential future outbreaks. In-depth interviews were used to qualitatively investigate perceptions and beliefs regarding
transmission, as well as community understandings of treatment options. Participants included thirteen MSM who reported a
previous CA-MRSA infection and nine community practitioners. A thematic content analysis of these interviews was conducted
and data suggests that behaviors and exposures associated with transmission of CA-MRSA are common in certain MSM networks.
Specifically, sociocultural influences and methamphetamine use activities were found to contribute to CA-MRSA transmission.
We underscore the role of public health and health services practitioners in providing appropriate CA-MRSA awareness and education
to MSM populations.
men who have sex with men (MSM) at increased risk for community associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (CA-MRSA) transmission. CA-MRSA is a specific type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, which limits treatment options
for those needing clinical care. Infection can manifest as painful abscesses and can cause severe illness. With increased
CA-MRSA infections overall, and attention given to MSM populations regarding CA-MRSA, as well as the fact that limited data
on sociocultural factors that may facilitate transmission, we undertook a qualitative study to explore contextual influences
that may fuel infection among MSM in New York City so that public health professionals can better recognize, and respond appropriately
to, potential future outbreaks. In-depth interviews were used to qualitatively investigate perceptions and beliefs regarding
transmission, as well as community understandings of treatment options. Participants included thirteen MSM who reported a
previous CA-MRSA infection and nine community practitioners. A thematic content analysis of these interviews was conducted
and data suggests that behaviors and exposures associated with transmission of CA-MRSA are common in certain MSM networks.
Specifically, sociocultural influences and methamphetamine use activities were found to contribute to CA-MRSA transmission.
We underscore the role of public health and health services practitioners in providing appropriate CA-MRSA awareness and education
to MSM populations.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9463-6
- Authors
- Gabriel R. Galindo, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California at San Francisco, 50 Beale St, Suite 1300, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
- Amber J. Casey, Washington State Department of Health HIV Client Services, P.O. Box 47841, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
- Alice Yeung, Bureau of Communicable Disease, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2 Gotham Center, CN# 22A, 42‐09 28th Street, Queens, NY 11101‐4132, USA
- Don Weiss, Bureau of Communicable Disease, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2 Gotham Center, CN# 22A, 42‐09 28th Street, Queens, NY 11101‐4132, USA
- Melissa A. Marx, Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145