Papillomavirus InfectionsPapillomaviridaeEarly Detection of CancerSurveys and QuestionnairesHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHospitalsDelayed DiagnosisPerceptionSwitzerlandPatient Acceptance of Health CareTuberculosis, PulmonaryCoughReferral and ConsultationTime-to-TreatmentHealth Behavior
Dr. Bossard studies how patients interact with the healthcare system, particularly regarding tuberculosis (TB) and human papillomavirus (HPV). For TB, she investigates how long it takes for people to seek medical help after noticing symptoms, emphasizing the importance of quick recognition and action to start treatment. In her research on HPV, she explores how perceived obstacles affect women's confidence in taking preventive steps against a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. By identifying these challenges, she aims to improve health outcomes and prevention strategies for affected groups.
Key findings
In a study of 162 TB patients, the average delay in seeking treatment after symptoms appeared was 5.2 weeks, with 25% of patients waiting over 7 weeks.
In her HPV study, Dr. Bossard found that women who perceived fewer barriers to prevention were more confident in taking preventive actions against HPV.
Demographic factors and knowledge about cervical cancer did not significantly affect confidence levels in HPV preventive behaviors among the participants.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Bossard study tuberculosis?
Yes, Dr. Bossard researches health-seeking behaviors and treatment delays in patients with tuberculosis.
What treatments has Dr. Bossard researched?
Her research focuses on improving the recognition and response to tuberculosis symptoms and HPV prevention.
Is Dr. Bossard's work relevant to women at risk for cervical cancer?
Yes, her studies directly address barriers to HPV prevention, which is linked to cervical cancer.
How long do patients usually wait to start treatment for tuberculosis?
On average, patients wait about 5.2 weeks after showing symptoms before seeking treatment.
What factors influence women's confidence in HPV preventive measures?
Dr. Bossard found that perceived barriers significantly impact women's confidence, while demographics and knowledge about cervical cancer do not.
Publications in plain English
The Impact of Perceived Barriers on Self-Efficacy for HPV Preventive Behavior.
2018
Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP
Bossard K, Song Y
Plain English This study looked at how perceived obstacles influence the confidence women feel about taking steps to prevent HPV, a virus linked to cervical cancer. It found that 171 international school parents in South Korea who felt fewer barriers were more confident in their HPV preventive actions, while factors like demographics and knowledge about cervical cancer didn’t affect this confidence at all. Understanding these barriers can help improve prevention efforts for cervical cancer.
Who this helps: This benefits women at risk for cervical cancer, particularly those in foreign communities.
Health-seeking behaviour and treatment delay in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Switzerland: some slip through the net.
2018
Swiss medical weekly
Auer C, Kiefer S, Zuske M, Schindler C, Wyss K +12 more
Plain English This study looked at how long it took for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Switzerland to seek help and start treatment. Researchers found that the average time from when symptoms appeared to when people saw a doctor was 5.2 weeks, and once they met with a doctor, it took an additional 2 weeks to start treatment. It's important because some patients experienced delays of over 7 weeks, which could lead to worse health outcomes, highlighting the need for doctors to suspect TB even in lower-risk patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients and their primary care doctors.