Cross-infection in cystic fibrosis: The knowledge and behaviour of adult patients

Abstract Introduction The knowledge and behaviour of adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) regarding cross-infection are ill understood. Methods A questionnaire was designed to investigate this at the West Midlands Adult CF Centre. Results 94 patients completed the questionnaire. 54%, 36% and 46% had "no idea" of the lifetime risk of contracting Burkholderia cepacia complex, epidemic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and MRSA, respectively. 25–33% did not know the consequences of infection with these bacteria. 35% mixed with other people with CF, 6.5% during physiotherapy or nebulizer use. Most respondents did not think quality of life was significantly linked with segregation from other patients with CF. Conclusions Adults with CF, at least in the West Midlands, have poor knowledge of the risk and consequences of cross-infection. A significant proportion ignored advice not to mix with other patients, although segregation was not thought to impact upon quality of life. This suggests that more education about the risks of cross-infection would be beneficial.