Comparison of Public Perceptions Associated with Healthcare-associated Infections (hcais) in Northern Ireland following the 2007/2008 Outbreak of Clostridium Difficile in the Northern Trust

Between June 2007 and August 2008, an outbreak of the spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium difficile, occurred within the Northern Health Trust, particularly associated with Antrim Area Hospital. During this period, there was sustained local media attention in its reporting via radio, newspaper and television. Following the outbreak, it was the aim of this study to compare public perceptions to and fear of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) of responders in Northern Ireland with responders elsewhere in the UK and worldwide.