ACHAT DE MÉDICAMENTS DE LA RUE EN AFRIQUE : ESSAI DE COMPRÉHENSION D’UN COMPORTEMENT « IRRATIONNEL »

Abstract

The purchase of drugs from the street proceeds in a context marked by unfavourable economic conditions, the absence of a strong and firm legislation against the illicit drug salesmen. The objective of this article is to explain two apparently contradictory facts namely the development of this market in spite of the big risks for pubic health and the understanding success of the sale of these drugs by exploring the consumers beliefs compared to the drugs from the street. Methodology rests on 47 directing semi talks and of quantitative investigations from 255 individuals in two African countries (Senegal and Cameroun). The results obtained reveal that generally, the consumers are not satisfied with the drugs from the street and that they perceive in their large majority the risks incurred in the purchase of these drugs. However the advantages related to the price, the availability and the convenience of these drugs seem to be so such important determinants of this purchase.