Facts about 'hospital bugs' such as MRSA need to be communicated more effectively to reduce the fear of infection in the general public.

This is one of the findings of research by Professor Tony Cassidy and colleagues from the University of Ulster being presented today, Friday 17 September, at the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology annual conference being held at Queen's University Belfast.

The study aimed to assess what impact the media coverage of hospital bugs (most commonly MRSA) had on people's attitudes and beliefs about health care.. A total of 522 adults (345 females and 177 males) completed questionnaires about their knowledge and attitude to MRSA, experiences of hospitals, health status and optimism.

The results showed that attitudes and beliefs centred on hospital hygiene, fear of infection, and the tendency to avoid hospitals. Participants who demonstrated less optimistic traits were more likely to have negative attitudes and beliefs and be more likely to intend to avoid hospitals.

Dr Cassidy explained: 'The constant media focus on MRSA in hospitals, and the sensational language used in the messages, has damaged attitudes and made some people unnecessarily fearful. Health care professionals need to be aware that myths and misinformation may have potentially serious consequences if it leads to those who are ill avoiding GPs and hospitals because of their fear of infection.'

Sources: British Psychological Society (BPS), AlphaGalileo Foundation.