Understanding Community Perspectives on Staphylococcus aureus Disease and Prevention in the White Mountain Apache Tribal Community in Arizona

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infections are a pressing health concern in the White Mountain Apache (WMA) Tribal community, where invasive Staph infection rates far exceed those in the general U.S. population. This study explored community perspectives to guide culturally tailored education and prevention strategies. We conducted 42 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare providers, traditional practitioners, and community members. Thematic analysis showed that participants had familiarity with the term “MRSA” (methicillin-resistant Staph), although many did not recognize it as a form of Staph, per se. Barriers to timely care-seeking included lack of transportation, stigma, and misconceptions about infection causes. With regard to biomedical approaches to prevention, participants preferred products like antiseptic nasal sprays and antimicrobial skin cleansers due to ease of use. Community members emphasized the need for simple, bilingual educational materials grounded in Apache culture and delivered by trusted figures. The findings underscore the importance of culturally grounded education and prevention approaches. Implementation and scaling of these strategies may enhance health literacy, reduce infection rates, and promote holistic wellness in Indigenous communities.