Published 22m ago,
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The general practitioner is generally the first point of contact for healthcare. However, according to a survey carried out last February by OpinionWay for the deuxiemeavis.fr site and published on May 5, 2022, nearly one in two women and one in three men do not dare to ask their doctor about all questions. that he or she is asking.
The youngest are the most affected by this observation. According to this study, it is 54% of 18-24 year olds who are the most affected by this self-censorship, whereas they are only 21% of those aged 65 and over.
61% talk about everything without complexes
In the sample of people questioned, on the other hand, they are 61% to speak without complexes about all the health subjects which concern them with their general practitioner. While as said above, 44% of women and 30% of men are reluctant to ask some of their questions. With the risk of delaying certain diagnoses.
According to Pauline d’Orgeval, founder of deuxiemeavis.fr, “this study shows that women do not feel listened to and heard. For 41% of them, the duration of the appointment is too short to discuss all the desired topics (compared to 29% of men), such as the side effects of the pathology such as lifestyle, sleep , food… So many subjects which are nevertheless important in the healing process”.
Internet as a substitute resource
In first intention, in the event of a question, the respondents admit to going on the Internet first, to find additional answers there. For 47% of respondents, medical sites also allow them to better understand or obtain additional information after a consultation with a medical specialist. Remember that the attending physician must remain the privileged interlocutor to find answers in terms of health. He knows the files of his patients, can put them in touch with other professionals if necessary…
No stupid questions
Also according to this study,43% of 18-24 year olds feel like they haven’t understood anything” after consultation. This explains the fact that they are also eager for information and more inclined to learn about medical sites, as nearly one in two young people do. Medical jargon can also create a gap between the medical specialist and the young patient, which makes the exchange difficult for him to understand.
For sociologist Ronan Chastellier, co-author of this study, “the embarrassment of addressing certain subjects is not confined to the intimate sphere, it can also concern specific questions about the disease, questions which will not be asked at the risk of appearing simple-minded. However, in particular in the field of health, there are never stupid questions. All questions must be asked to dispel any doubt and understand in detail what is happening to us..
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