Accessibility of emergency contraception for adolescents in Quebec community pharmacies.
Paediatr Child Health
; 25(6): 385-388, 2020 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32963652
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Access to effective contraceptives, including emergency contraception (EC), is critical to reducing unintended adolescent pregnancy. This study evaluates the accessibility of Ln-EC (levonorgestrel EC) for adolescents in Quebec community pharmacies.METHODS:
We conducted an anonymous self-administered electronic survey of Quebec community pharmacists between June 1, 2016 and October 31, 2016. Pharmacists were asked about the availability of Ln-EC in their pharmacy, whether they prescribed Ln-EC, and their experience with adolescents who requested Ln-EC.RESULTS:
Five hundred and ninety-one pharmacists responded, with representation from across the province. Ninety-five per cent had Ln-EC in stock. Most pharmacists (90%) reported being comfortable prescribing Ln-EC, though they were less comfortable prescribing to adolescents than to adults (*P<0.001). Pharmacists also reported that cost and confidentiality are barriers to accessing Ln-EC for some adolescents.CONCLUSIONS:
This study indicates that availability and pharmacist comfort are not likely to be barriers to Ln-EC use for adolescents. On the other hand, cost and/or confidentiality do represent a barrier for some adolescents. This study lays the groundwork for a national study examining the accessibility of EC for adolescents.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Paediatr Child Health
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá
País de publicação:
ENGLAND
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ESCOCIA
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GB
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GREAT BRITAIN
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INGLATERRA
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REINO UNIDO
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SCOTLAND
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UK
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UNITED KINGDOM