[A survey of self medication. Comparison of results obtained at two centers]

Authors report results of an investigation led in 2 separate departments concerning 200 subjects: --blood donors: they are by definition healthy subjects who regularly are in touch with a medical structure; --patients with acute traumatic pathology leading to bone surgery consultation. The aim of this investigation was to analyse the different parameters involved in self-medication and to compare their distribution. Self-medication has an overall incidence of 87.5% in these studied groups and has generally been lasting from 2 to 9 years. The main reason for it is the lack of gravity to go and see a physician; although 52% of the patients tested take the advise of another person. The clinical signs leading to self-medication are looked for; 468 different drugs are listed essentially antalogics and drugs for ear, nose and throat as well as respiratory tract diseases. Self prescribed drugs usually come from the familial stock. Blood donors have some specific characteristics. In this population self-medication is more frequent and has been lasting longer. They more often feel able to take themselves in charge, but in contrast ask for the chemist's or the doctor's advise more frequently.