Prevalence and Associated Factors of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus on the Hands of Health Science Students at Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections, with hands serving as a key transmission vector. Health science students, frequently exposed to clinical settings, are at risk of hand contamination. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a controlled comparison was conducted from January to May 2024 at Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy. Hand samples were collected from 120 students across Medicine, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Nursing programs using the glove juice method. S. aureus was identified via Gram staining, coagulase, and mannitol fermentation tests, with MRSA confirmed using oxacillin disk diffusion. Hand hygiene’s impact was assessed by comparing S. aureus prevalence before and after handwashing. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0, with Chi-square tests for associations (p < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of S. aureus on students’ hands was 32.5% (39/120), with 12.8% (5/39) identified as MRSA, all from students with hospital training experience. Handwashing reduced S. aureus prevalence significantly (16.7% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between S. aureus carriage and gender, academic program, or hospital training status (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Hand carriage of S. aureus and MRSA is prevalent among health science students, particularly those with hospital exposure. Hand hygiene significantly reduces contamination, emphasizing its importance in infection control training.