[Attitude of French general physicians to surveillance of transmissible diseases].

A survey was conducted among 450 French general practitioners in order to learn the attitude of GPs concerning the surveillance of communicable diseases. From a list of 15 such diseases, 406 respondents indicated those they considered important for surveillance. Viral hepatitis was the first choice, being considered important for surveillance by 68% of the practitioners. Also, 48% believe that surveillance of influenza is important. The proportions remain the same whatever the age or the region of the practitioners. The homogeneity of the answers underscores the feasibility of having a reliable national system of surveillance for these diseases. Tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases other than syphilis (which shares second place with influenza) and measles (in fourth place), diminish importantly among the GPs' selections as their age rises, thus calling our attention to the role experience plays in the choices and, very probably, to the nature of their clientele. Neither prevalence nor the gravity of diseases appears to have been the only factor governing choices; on the other hand, the complexity of the disease and the utility of surveillance appear to be decisive factors in their choices. Hence, those who report having seen at least one case of a disease during the previous year are more numerous in citing the disease as important for surveillance.