A qualitative insight on complementary and alternative medicines used by hypertensive patients.

Background: The self-treatment with complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in chronic diseases is portraying an expanding trend worldwide. Yet, little is known concerning patients' motives to use CAM in the control of blood pressure.

Objective: This study aims to explore the self-use of CAM in the management of hypertension and explore patients' attitudes, perceived benefits, and disclosure to the physician.

The influence of consumers' preferences and perceptions of oral solid dosage forms on their treatment.

Background: Beyond the direct pharmacological effect of medicines, preferences and perceptions toward a particular oral solid dosage form (OSDF) play a crucial role in recovery and may reduce adherence to the prescribed treatment.

Objectives: This study conducted to investigate the most preferred OSDF and the degree to which swallowing solid medication is an issue, to assess perceptions of the therapeutic benefits of the OSDF, and to find predictors of the most preferred OSDF.

Method: A cross-sectional study, through convenience sample method, was conducted to survey consumers visiting community pharmacies in Baghdad, Iraq.