SINGAPOREANS do not rush straight to their doctors at the first sign of illness. But neither are they quick to pop over-the-counter medicine for minor ailments such as flu and headaches.

According to results released yesterday by media firm The Nielsen Company, 67 per cent of 500 Singapore respondents surveyed would wait to see if their symptoms went away of their own accord before seeing a doctor or reaching for non-prescription medicines.

And while 31 per cent are quick to self-medicate at the first sign of illness, the rest said they would rather "let nature take its course".

Housewife Deborah Tan, 25, belongs to the group who does not self-medicate regularly. "For something minor like a headache, why rush to take a pill? It's better to just rest," she told my paper.

"I'll take two Panadols only if the pain worsens."

However, she visits her general practitioner for illnesses such as fever, or if symptoms persist.

While doctors here generally recommend a doctor's visit to obtain a proper diagnosis, there are some instances during which self-medicating is acceptable.

Said Dr Clarence Yeo, 35, a general practitioner: "For things like a slight fever, it is common sense to administer paracetemol.

"At the end of the day, it depends on the patient's knowledge." And if symptoms persist or worsen, seeing a doctor is always the best option.

"Consult a doctor and get a proper diagnosis in such cases," he advised.

The online survey was conducted in partnership with the Association of The European Self-Medication Industry from end-April to early May this year.

It involved 28,253 Internet users from 51 countries, including Australia, China, Malaysia, New Zealand and Britain.

As far as possible, age and gender quotas were used to produce a sample that was representative of adult Internet users in each country.

The survey aimed to decipher consumer attitudes to and consumption habits surrounding non-prescription medicines, as well as the cultural factors that influence consumer behaviour towards self-medication.

The view Singapore holds seems to be mirrored globally.

About 65 per cent of global consumers avoid self-medicating, with only three in 10 taking over-the-counter medicines for illnesses like headaches, colds and indigestion.

The most common ailments faced by Singaporeans, according to the survey, are sore throat and flu.

For Singaporeans, product safety is paramount when choosing non-prescription medicine.

Effectiveness of the medicine and confidence in the product were also cited as contributing factors.

And though over-the-counter medicines come with warning labels and full instructions, Dr Yeo stressed that Singaporeans should not be complacent about self-medicating.

"Always read the labels and check for the correct dosage. If you are unsure, don't take it and consult your doctor instead," he said.

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