Pill-swallowing – a bitter experience for some despite the ease of the swallow

Abstract

Background. The need for pills in the form of analgesics, psychotropic medication, chronic medication or vitamins and supplements is gaining momentum globally. In developing contexts, social circumstances, the burden of disease, violence and poor lifestyles and eating habits all contribute to reliance on medication. Despite this knowledge, research that captures pill adherence, pill swallowing, coping by individuals in general practice and pill modification by the general public has been minimal in South Africa, a developing country.