L’self-medication would be more and more popular in France, according to a survey carried out in mid-March by BVA/Orange. More than one in two respondents who have suffered from a health problem in the last month have chosen not to consult a health professional. And nearly a third of respondents said they had resorted to self-medication. In total, the study indicates that “36% of French people turn to their general practitioner or a general practitioner and 6% to their specialist doctor, while 32% treat themselves without taking advice from anyone. ‘one in five French people (18%) preferred to wait for their problem to pass by itself.
This survey confirms the results of a previous study, the health barometer of Europ assistance published in October, according to which one in three French people give up treatment or prefer to postpone their treatment for financial reasons. While 31% of those questioned declared that the sum attributed to their health expenses was unbearable or significant, only 21% affirmed that they had not sought treatment for economic reasons. A French person would spend an average of 93.50 euros per month, not counting reimbursements from social security and mutual insurance. This sum increases to 42.90 euros if the 8% of French people who spend more than 200 euros per month are not taken into account.
French people in good shape
Among the causes that motivate the choice not to go to the doctor, 41% of respondents mentioned aversion to drugs, and 34% the lack of time to consult. Among other things, the most recurrent health problems could explain this trend. The rheumatism and bone, ligament or muscle injuries come first (36%), followed by colds and rhinitis (35%) and headaches and migraines (32%). But the survey also highlights a positive note: “8 out of 10 French people say they are in good shape (78%): 12% say they are in very good shape and 66% in rather good shape.”
