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Freeman C, Rodríguez S. The chemical geographies of misoprostol: Spatializing abortion access from the biochemical to the global. ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GEOGRAPHERS 2024; 114:123-138. [PMID: 38204958 PMCID: PMC7615505 DOI: 10.1080/24694452.2023.2242453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
C22W38O5 is a chemical that travels. Better known as misoprostol, it was designed as a stomach ulcer drug but is now used around the world as an abortion pill due to the self-experimentation of Latin American communities who were seeking ways to end unwanted pregnancies. We develop a chemical geography approach to misoprostol that allows us to scale inward to understand the chemical properties of this medication while also being able to scale out to understand how medicinal effects are interwoven with and determined by global politics. Misoprostol as a chemical alone does not guarantee a successful abortion and instead 'scaffolding' in the form of mobility and information is required to transform misoprostol from a chemical to a safe and effective technology of abortion. First, we examine how misoprostol is moved by feminist networks in Mexico and Peru. Second, we argue that in order to be useful it is not enough just to access the pills, information on how to use them is required. These themes culminate in our contribution of 'pharmacokinetical geographies'; the micro-geography of the placement of pharmaceuticals in and on a body and its ramifications. The chemical geographies of misoprostol tell a story of power, bodily autonomy, and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Freeman
- Department of Geography, University of Exeter. Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4RJ
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Guilbert E, Bois G. Évaluation de l'information transmise sur l'avortement médicamenteux dans les cliniques d'avortement du Québec en 2021 - Partie 2. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:125-133. [PMID: 36567050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Communication of information is a key component of quality family planning services. It allows for an informed choice between surgical and medication abortion. METHODS Québec abortion clinics were contacted by 2 mystery client clinical profiles (PC) between October 8 and November 17, 2021. Data collection was done simultaneously by a data collector. The unit of analysis was the PC. Descriptive analyses and statistical tests were performed, as well as a qualitative analysis of the collected comments. RESULTS Of the 17 information topics deemed necessary for an informed choice, 35% were obtained spontaneously. These included what tests to perform (78%), professionals to meet before the procedure (77%), gestational age limit (64%), side effects (49%) (especially alarming ones), and the number of visits required (42%). On a score of 12, the average information quality score was 7.2 (standard deviation [SD] 2.7). A score of less than 7/12 was obtained by 41% of PCs. A high information quality score was associated with a perceived friendlier attitude of the person responding to the call, and the unprompted transmission of more information. For 51/78 PCs, abortifacient medications were served at the clinic, and for 13 of them, the first medication had to be taken in front of the physician. CONCLUSION The information received when calling Québec abortion clinics for an appointment for abortion was often insufficient and made it difficult to make an informed choice between the 2 methods of abortion. This may explain the low proportion of medication abortion in Québec.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Guilbert
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, QC.
| | - Geneviève Bois
- Département de médecine familiale et de médecine d'urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC
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Sigdel A, Angdembe MR, Khanal P, Adhikari N, Maharjan A, Paudel M. Medical abortion drug dispensing practices among private pharmacy workers in Nepal: A mystery client study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278132. [PMID: 36417473 PMCID: PMC9683563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacies are the first point of contact for women seeking medical abortion (MA) and act as important sources of information and referral in Nepal. Over the counter sale of MA drugs is not currently allowed in Nepal. This study aimed to assess the MA drug dispensing practices of pharmacy workers using mystery clients in Nepal. METHODS A cross-sectional study using the mystery client approach was conducted in 266 pharmacies in September-October 2019. These pharmacies had either received harm reduction training or medical detailing visits. A total of 532 visits were conducted by six male and six female mystery clients. Mystery clients without prescription approached the sample pharmacy and filled out a standard digital survey questionnaire using the SurveyCTO application immediately after each interaction. RESULTS Pharmacy workers dispensed MA drugs in 35.7% of the visits while they refused to provide MA drugs to the mystery clients in 39.3% of visits. Lack of evidence of prior consultation with a physician (27.5%), referral to other health facilities (21.8%), unavailability of MA drugs in the pharmacy (21.3%) and lack of prescription (16.4%) were the main reasons for refusal. Seventy percent of the pharmacy workers inquired clients about last menstrual period/months of pregnancy while 38.1% asked whether the pregnancy status was confirmed. During 65.1% of the visits, mystery clients were told about when to take the MA drugs while in 66.4% of visits, they were told about the route of drug administration. Similarly, mystery clients were briefed about what to expect during the abortion process in half of the visits, and information about the possible side effects of the MA drug was provided in 55.9% of the visits. Pharmacy workers provided correct information on taking MA drugs to mystery clients in 70.7% of visits. CONCLUSION Despite legal provision of sale of MA drugs only on prescription, pharmacy workers dispensed MA drug in one out of three visits. As pharmacies are the initial contacts of women for abortion services in Nepal, correct supplementary information through pharmacy workers can be an effective strategy to expand access to quality safe abortion services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Sigdel
- Population Services International, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | | | - Pratik Khanal
- Population Services International, Lalitpur, Nepal
- * E-mail:
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Percher J, Saxena M, Srivastava A, Diamond-Smith N. Differential treatment in the provision of medication abortion at pharmacies in Uttar Pradesh, India. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100025. [PMID: 36277455 PMCID: PMC9563544 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2021.100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVE STUDY DESIGN RESULTS CONCLUSION
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Rodriguez MI, Edelman A, Hersh A, Gartoulla P, Henderson J. Medical abortion offered in pharmacy versus clinic-based settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 6:CD013566. [PMID: 34114643 PMCID: PMC8193989 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013566.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical abortion is usually offered in a clinic or hospital, but could potentially be offered in other settings such as pharmacies. In many countries, pharmacies are a common first point of access for women seeking reproductive health information and services. Offering medical abortion through pharmacies is a potential strategy to improve access to abortion. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness and safety of medical abortion offered in pharmacy settings with clinic-based medical abortion. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases, two trials registries and grey literature websites in November 2020. We also handsearched key references and contacted authors to locate unpublished studies or studies not identified in the database searches. SELECTION CRITERIA We identified studies that compared women receiving the same regimen of medical abortion or post-abortion care in either a clinic or pharmacy setting. Studies published in any language employing the following designs were included: randomized trials and non-randomized studies including a comparative group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently reviewed both retrieved abstracts and full-text publications. A third author was consulted in case of disagreement. We intended to use the Cochrane risk of bias tool, RoB 2, for randomized studies and used the ROBINS-I tool (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions) to assess risk of bias in non-randomized studies. GRADE methodology was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. The primary outcomes were completion of abortion without additional intervention, need for blood transfusion, and presence of uterine or systemic infection within 30 days of medical abortion. MAIN RESULTS Our search yielded 2030 records. We assessed a total of 89 full-text articles for eligibility. One prospective cohort study met our inclusion criteria. The included study collected data on outcomes from 605 women who obtained a medical abortion in Nepal from either a clinic or pharmacy setting. Both sites of care were staffed by the same auxiliary nurse midwives. Over all domains, the risk of bias was judged to be low for our primary outcome. During the pre-intervention period, the study's investigators identified a priori appropriate confounders, which were clearly measured and adjusted for in the final analysis. For women who received medical abortion in a pharmacy setting, compared to a clinic setting, there may be little or no difference in complete abortion rates (adjusted risk difference (RD)) 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.8 to 3.8; 1 study, 600 participants; low certainty evidence). The study reported no cases of blood transfusion, and a composite outcome, comprised mainly of infection complications, showed there may be little or no difference between settings (adjusted RD 0.8, 95% CI -1.0 to 2.8; 1 study, 600 participants; very low certainty evidence). The study reported no events for hospital admission for an abortion-related event or need for surgical intervention, and there may be no difference in women reporting being highly satisfied with the facility where they were seen (38% pharmacy versus 34% clinic, P = 0.87; 1 study, 600 participants; low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of pharmacy provision of medical abortion are limited by the lack of comparative studies. One study, judged to provide low certainty evidence, suggests that the effectiveness of medical abortion may not be different between the pharmacy and clinic settings. However, evidence for safety is insufficient to draw any conclusions, and more research on factors contributing to potential differences in quality of care is needed. It is important to note that this study included a care model where a clinician provided services in a pharmacy, not direct provision of care by pharmacists or pharmacy staff. Three ongoing studies are potentially eligible for inclusion in review updates. More research is needed because pharmacy provision could expand timely access to medical abortion, especially in settings where clinic services may be more difficult to obtain. Evidence is particularly limited on the patient experience and how the care process and quality of services may differ across different types of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Rodriguez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alison Edelman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alyssa Hersh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Jillian Henderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Footman K, Chelwa N, Douthwaite M, Mdala J, Mulenga D, Brander C, Church K. Treading the Thin Line: Pharmacy Workers' Perspectives on Medication Abortion Provision in Lusaka, Zambia. Stud Fam Plann 2021; 52:179-194. [PMID: 33826147 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite liberal abortion laws, safe abortion access in Zambia is impeded by limited legal awareness, lack of services, and restrictive clinical policies. As in many countries with restricted abortion access, women frequently seek abortions informally from pharmacies. METHODS We conducted 16 in-depth interviews in 2019 to understand the experiences and motivations of pharmacy workers who sell medication abortion (MA) drugs in Lusaka. RESULTS We found that pharmacy staff reluctantly assume a gatekeeper role for MA due to competing pressures from clients and from regulatory constraints. Pharmacy staff often decide to provide MA, motivated by their duty of care and desire to help clients, as well as financial interests. However, pharmacy workers' motivation to protect themselves from legal and business risk perpetuates inequalities in abortion access, as pharmacy workers improvise additional eligibility criteria based on personal risk and values such as age, partner approval, reason for abortion, and level of desperation. CONCLUSION These findings highlight how pharmacy staff informally determine women's abortion access when laws and policies prevent comprehensive access to safe abortion. Reform of clinical guidelines, public education, strengthened public sector availability, task sharing, and improved access to prescription services are needed to ensure women can legally access safe abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Footman
- MSI Reproductive Choices, London, W1T 6LP, UK.,Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
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Schiavon R, Troncoso E. Inequalities in access to and quality of abortion services in Mexico: Can task-sharing be an opportunity to increase legal and safe abortion care? Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 150 Suppl 1:25-33. [PMID: 33219993 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
First-trimester abortion became legal in Mexico City in April 2007. Since then, 216 755 abortions have been provided, initially in hospitals, by specialized physicians using surgical techniques. With time and experience, services were provided increasingly in health centers, by general physicians using medical therapies. Meanwhile, abortion remains legally restricted in the remaining 31/32 Mexican states. Demand and need for abortion care have increased throughout the country, while overall abortion-specific mortality rates have declined. In an effort to ensure universal access to and improved quality of reproductive and maternal health services, including abortion, Mexico recently expanded its cadres of health professionals. While initial advances are evident in pregnancy and delivery care, many obstacles and barriers impair the task-sharing/shifting process in abortion care. Efforts to expand the provider base for legal abortion and postabortion care to include midlevel professionals should be pursued by authorities in the new Mexican administration to further reduce abortion mortality and complications.
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Analysing the intersection between health emergencies and abortion during Zika in Brazil, El Salvador and Colombia. Soc Sci Med 2021; 270:113671. [PMID: 33486425 PMCID: PMC7895814 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The Zika outbreak of 2015-7 is a lens to analyse the positioning of abortion within in global health security. The sequelae of the virus almost exclusively affected newborn children, manifested through Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), and a focus on women at risk of, planning or being pregnant. At the global level, debate considered whether Zika would provide impetus for regulatory change for reproductive rights in Latin America, a region with some of the most restrictive abortion regulation in the world. However, regulatory change for abortion did not occur. We analyse why the Zika health emergency did not lead to any changes in abortion regulation through multi-method analysis of the intersection between Zika, health emergencies and abortion in Brazil, Colombia and El Salvador. These case study countries were purposefully selected; each had Zika infected women (albeit with differing incidence) yet represent diverse regulatory environments for abortion. Our comparative research is multi-method: framework analysis of key informant interviews (n = 49); content analysis of women's enquiries to a medical abortion telemedicine provider; and, policy analysis of (inter)national-level Zika response and abortion policies. We consider this within literature on global health security, and the prioritisation of a particular approach to epidemic control. Within this securitized landscape, despite increased public debate about abortion regulatory change, no meaningful change occurred, due to a dominant epidemiological approach to the Zika health emergency in all three countries and prominent conservative forces in government and within anti-abortion rights movements. Simultaneously, we demonstrate that regulation did not deter all women from seeking such service clandestinely. Zika affected reproductive decision making, but did not impact abortion regulation. Epidemiological framing ignored reproductive dimensions of emergency responses. Conservative forces instrumentalized disability concerns to oppose abortion rights. Women sought abortions clandestinely, citing Zika as a justification. Abortion provision must form part of health emergency planning and response.
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Moore AM, Blades N, Ortiz J, Whitehead H, Villarreal C. What does informal access to misoprostol in Colombia look like? A mystery client methodology in Bogotá and the Coffee Axis. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2020; 46:294-300. [PMID: 32624479 PMCID: PMC7569367 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2019-200572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2006, abortion was decriminalised in Colombia under certain circumstances. Yet, women avail themselves of ways to terminate pregnancy outside of the formal health system. This study explored how drug sellers engage with women who attempt to purchase misoprostol from them. METHODS A mapping exercise was undertaken to list small-chain and independent drug stores in two regions in Colombia. A sample (n=558) of drug stores was selected from this list and visited by mystery clients between November and December 2017. Mystery clients sought to obtain a medication to bring back a delayed period, and described the experience, the information obtained and the medications proffered in exit interviews. RESULTS Misoprostol was offered for purchase in 15% of the visits; in half of visits, only information about misoprostol was shared, while no information about misoprostol was provided on the remaining visits. Over half of sellers who refused to sell any medication provided referrals, most commonly to an abortion provider. Among visits which included discussion of misoprostol, two out of five sellers provided dosage instructions with most recommending the minimum adequate dosage. Mystery clients received little information on the physical effects to expect with the use of misoprostol and possible complications. CONCLUSIONS As misoprostol is being obtained from some drug sellers without a prescription, capacitating this cadre with at least a minimum of standardised information on dosage, routes of administration and expected effects and outcomes have the potential to improve reproductive health outcomes for women who choose to terminate pregnancies this way in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Moore
- Division of Research, Guttmacher Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nakeisha Blades
- Division of Research, Guttmacher Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Hannah Whitehead
- Division of Research, Guttmacher Institute, New York, New York, USA
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Frye LJ, Kilfedder C, Blum J, Winikoff B. A cross-sectional analysis of mifepristone, misoprostol, and combination mifepristone-misoprostol package inserts obtained in 20 countries. Contraception 2020; 101:315-320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Darney BG, Fuentes-Rivera E, Polo G, Saavedra-Avendaño B, Alexander LT, Schiavon R. Con la ley y sin la ley/With and without the law: Utilization of abortion services and case fatality in Mexico, 2000-2016. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2019; 148:369-374. [PMID: 31821537 PMCID: PMC7027437 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe utilization of health services for, and case fatality from, abortion in Mexico. METHOD A historical cohort study using a census of state-level aggregate hospital discharge and primary care clinic data across Mexico's 32 states from January 2000 to December 2016. Abortive events and changes over time in utilization per 1000 women aged 15-44 years, and case fatality per 100 000 abortion-related events were described by year, health sector, and state. Associations of location (Mexico City vs 31 other states) and time (Mexico City implemented legal abortion services in 2007) with outcomes were tested by linear regression, controlling for secular trends. RESULTS The national abortion utilization rate was 6.7 per 1000 women in 2000, peaked at 7.9 in 2011, and plateaued to 7.0 in 2016. In Mexico City, utilization peaked at 16.7 in 2014 and then plateaued. Nationwide, the case-fatality rate declined over time from 53.7 deaths per 100 000 events in 2000 to 33.0 in 2016. Case fatality declined more rapidly in Mexico City than in the other 31 states to 12.3 in 2015. CONCLUSION Case fatality from abortive events has decreased across Mexico. Where abortion became legal, utilization increased sharply but plateaued afterward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair G Darney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Center for Population Health Research, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Evelyn Fuentes-Rivera
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Center for Population Health Research, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | | | - Lily T Alexander
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Ganle JK, Busia NT, Baatiema L. Stocking and over-the-counter sale of misoprostol for medical abortion in Ghana's community pharmacies: comparison of questionnaire and mystery client survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2019; 28:267-274. [PMID: 31746501 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In many sub-Saharan African countries with restricted safe abortion services, community pharmacies are important sources of abortifacients. However, data on stocking and over-the-counter sale of abortifacients in community pharmacies are often limited. The main objective of this study was to compare stocking and over-the-counter sale of misoprostol at community pharmacies using questionnaire and mystery client surveys in Ghana. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey, complemented with a mystery client survey, was conducted at 165 randomly selected community pharmacies in Accra, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to pharmacists/pharmacy workers. A mystery client survey to each of these pharmacies was also undertaken. Descriptive statistical techniques (frequencies and proportions) were used to estimate and compare stocking and over-the-counter sale of misoprostol at community pharmacies from the two data collection methods. KEY FINDINGS Some 50.3% (83) of community pharmacists/pharmacy workers reported stocking misoprostol and selling it over-the-counter for medical abortion in the questionnaire-based survey. However, in the mystery client survey, 122 (74%) pharmacists/pharmacy workers reported stocking misoprostol and actually selling it over-the-counter to the mystery clients. Thus approximately 39 (24%) more pharmacies stocked misoprostol and sold it over-the-counter even though they originally denied stocking the drug in the questionnaire survey. Also, the drug was often sold without a prescription, and many did so without asking for a confirmatory pregnancy test or gestational age. CONCLUSIONS In contexts where access to safe abortion services is restricted, mystery client surveys, rather than conventional questionnaire-based survey techniques, may better illuminate stocking and over-the-counter sale of abortifacients at community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kuumuori Ganle
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Nana Tiwaa Busia
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Leonard Baatiema
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Weaver G, Schiavon R, Collado ME, Küng S, Darney BG. Misoprostol knowledge and distribution in Mexico City after the change in abortion law: a survey of pharmacy staff. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 46:bmjsrh-2019-200394. [PMID: 31690579 PMCID: PMC6978560 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2019-200394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE First-trimester abortion is widely available in Mexico City since legalisation in 2007, but few data exist surrounding pharmacy staff knowledge and sales practices. We describe misoprostol availability, whether a prescription is required, and knowledge of the legal status of abortion and uses for misoprostol among pharmacy staff in Mexico City. METHODS Data were collected from 174 pharmacies in Mexico City. One employee at each pharmacy was asked about availability, need for prescription, indications for misoprostol, and sociodemographic information. Our primary outcome was availability of misoprostol. We used descriptive and bivariate statistics to compare knowledge and practices by type of pharmacy and staff gender. PATIENTS AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT No patients were involved in this study. RESULTS Of the 174 pharmacies, 65 were chain and 109 small independent. Misoprostol was available at 61% of sites. Only 49% of independent pharmacies sold misoprostol, compared with 81.5% of chain pharmacies (p<0.05). Knowledge of indications for misoprostol use was similar. The majority (80%) of respondents knew that abortion was legal in Mexico City, and 44% reported requiring a prescription for sale of misoprostol, with no significant difference between male and female staff or by pharmacy type. CONCLUSIONS Availability, requirement of a prescription, and knowledge of indications for use of misoprostol varies among pharmacies, resulting in differential access to medical abortion. Pharmacies may be a good place to target education for pharmacy staff and women about safe and effective use of misoprostol for abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Weaver
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | | | | - Blair G Darney
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Díaz Olavarrieta C, Bonifaz Alfonzo L, Sanhueza-Smith P, Fajardo Dolci GE, Guevara-Guzmán R, Aburto-Arciniega MB, Phillips VJ, Arce Cedeño A, Villa AR. Twelve years after abortion decriminalization in Mexico City: Can we still remain an island of liberties? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 62:63-78. [PMID: 31501010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Latin America hosts the most restrictive abortion legislation globally. In 2007, Mexico, the second largest Catholic country in the world, decriminalized elective abortion within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy in the capital: Mexico City (also known as Federal District of Mexico). Following the reform, the Mexico City Ministry of Health (MX-MOH) implemented safe and legal services. Free services are provided to Mexico City residents and a sliding fee of up to $100 is applied to women from other Mexican states. Conscientious objection (CO) was addressed and included in service provision guidelines. Since 2007, 18 of 32 states amended their penal codes to restrict abortion. The road toward increasing access to abortion services at the MX-MOH included a shift from dilation and curettage (D&C) to medical abortion (MA), first with the misoprostol-alone regimen, followed by the combined mifepristone-misoprostol regimen. Manual vacuum aspiration is offered to out-of-state-women or to those beyond the gestational age where MA is less effective. Contraceptive uptake among abortion seekers is high (up to 95% of them prefer a free method of their choice). The Legal Interruption of Pregnancy program at the MX-MOH continues to provide effective, safe, reliable, and free services. However, women from indigenous groups residing in rural areas, those with low schooling, and adolescents with an unintended pregnancy who live in rural, urban, peri-urban districts, and at the state level are underserved despite being legally eligible to receive abortion services. Therefore, information and services for the disadvantaged groups need to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vivian J Phillips
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Angélica Arce Cedeño
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Antonio R Villa
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico.
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Moseson H, Herold S, Filippa S, Barr-Walker J, Baum SE, Gerdts C. Self-managed abortion: A systematic scoping review. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 63:87-110. [PMID: 31859163 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Self-managed abortion, when a person performs their own abortion without clinical supervision, is a model of abortion care used across a range of settings. To provide a comprehensive synthesis of the available literature on self-managed abortion, we conducted a systematic search for peer-reviewed research in April 2019 in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Popline, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Redalyc. We included studies that had a research question focused on self-managed abortion; and were published in English or Spanish. The combined search returned 7167 studies; after screening, 99 studies were included in the analysis. Included studies reported on methods, procurement, characteristics of those who self-managed, effectiveness, safety, reasons for self-managed abortion, and emotional and physical experiences. Numerous abortion methods were reported, most frequently abortion with pills and herbs. Studies reporting on self-managed medication abortion reported high-levels of effectiveness. We identify gaps in the research, and make recommendations to address those gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Moseson
- Ibis Reproductive Health, 1736 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.
| | - Stephanie Herold
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, 1330 Broadway Suite 1100, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.
| | - Sofia Filippa
- Ibis Reproductive Health, 1736 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.
| | - Jill Barr-Walker
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG) Library, University of California, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
| | - Sarah E Baum
- Ibis Reproductive Health, 1736 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.
| | - Caitlin Gerdts
- Ibis Reproductive Health, 1736 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.
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Björnsdottir I, Granas AG, Bradley A, Norris P. A systematic review of the use of simulated patient methodology in pharmacy practice research from 2006 to 2016. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2019; 28:13-25. [PMID: 31397533 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Simulated patient (SP) methodology (mystery shopping) is used increasingly to assess quality of pharmacy services, and evaluate impact of interventions. Our objective was to review papers reporting on the use of SP methodology in pharmacy practice research 2006-2016 in community pharmacies worldwide. METHODS We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE for papers reporting on the use of mystery shopping in pharmacy settings, using a wide range of terms for SPs, based on previous review. We removed irrelevant papers, duplicates, papers not written in English, and review papers and reviewed remaining papers. Two reviewers carried out data abstraction, using the same tool as the previous review and inserting data into Excel, focusing on how the SP methodology is used. KEY FINDINGS A total of 148 papers from 52 countries from all regions of the world were included in the review. A wide range of terms described the method, and simulated patient was the most common (49 papers). Most studies were cross-sectional (124), and most investigated only community pharmacies (115). The most common aim was to evaluate some aspect of pharmacists' or other staff's advice and counselling (94). Number of visits is 2-7785. Many papers did not cover details, such as number of visits planned, and carried out, scenario used, training and background of SPs, and ethical approval for the study. CONCLUSIONS The use of SP methodology has increased substantially in the field of pharmacy over the past decade. This is a useful method in a wide range of countries and settings. Greater detail is required in reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda Bradley
- Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Pauline Norris
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Knowledge, provision of information and barriers to high quality medication abortion provision by pharmacists in Uttar Pradesh, India. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:476. [PMID: 31296200 PMCID: PMC6622002 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of medication abortion is increasing rapidly in India, the majority of which is purchased through pharmacies. More information is needed about the quality of services provided by pharmacist about medication abortion, especially barriers to providing high quality information. The goal of this study was to explore the quality of pharmacist medication abortion provision using mixed methods to inform the developed of an intervention for this population. METHODS Data was collected via convenience sampling using three methods: a quantitative survey of pharmacists (N = 283), mystery clients (N = 111), and in-depth qualitative interviews with pharmacist (N = 11). Quality indictors from the quantitative data from surveys and mystery clients were compared. Qualitative interviews were used to elucidate reasons behind findings from the quantitative survey. RESULTS Quality of information provided to client purchasing medication abortion was low, especially related to timing and dosing of misoprostol (18% of pharmacists knew correct timing) and side effects (31% not telling any information on side effects). Mystery clients reported lower quality (less correct information) than pharmacists reported about their own behaviors. Qualitative interviews suggested that many barriers exist for pharmacists, including perceptions about what information clients can understand and desire, and also lack of comfort giving certain information to certain types of clients (young women). CONCLUSIONS It is essential to improve the quality of information given to client purchasing medication abortion from pharmacists. Our findings highlight specific gaps in knowledge and reasons for poor quality information. Differences in guidelines available at that time from the Indian Government, World Health Organization, and the medication abortion boxes may lead to confusion amongst pharmacists and potentially clients. Interventions need to improve both knowledge about medication abortion and also biases in the provision of care.
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Friedman J, Saavedra-Avendaño B, Schiavon R, Alexander L, Sanhueza P, Rios-Polanco R, Garcia-Martinez L, Darney BG. Quantifying disparities in access to public-sector abortion based on legislative differences within the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. Contraception 2019; 99:160-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Footman K, Keenan K, Reiss K, Reichwein B, Biswas P, Church K. Medical Abortion Provision by Pharmacies and Drug Sellers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Stud Fam Plann 2019; 49:57-70. [PMID: 29508948 PMCID: PMC5947709 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We undertook a systematic review to assess 1) the level and quality of pharmacy and drug shop provision of medical abortion (MA) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and 2) interventions to improve quality of provision. We used standardized terms to search six databases for peer‐reviewed and grey literature. We double‐extracted data using a standardized template, and double‐graded studies for methodological quality. We identified 22 studies from 16 countries reporting on level and quality of MA provision through pharmacies and drug sellers, and three intervention studies. Despite widespread awareness and provision of MA drugs, even in legally restricted contexts, most studies found that pharmacy workers and drug sellers had poor knowledge of effective regimens. Evidence on interventions to improve pharmacy and drug shop provision of MA was limited and generally low quality, but indicated that training could be effective in improving knowledge. Programmatic attention should focus on the development and rigorous evaluation of innovative interventions to improve women's access to information about MA self‐management in low‐and middle‐income countries.
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Ganle JK, Busia NT, Maya E. Availability and prescription of misoprostol for medical abortion in community pharmacies and associated factors in Accra, Ghana. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2018; 144:167-173. [PMID: 30451283 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess misoprostol availability at community pharmacies and determine factors affecting misoprostol prescription for medical abortion. METHODS A cross-sectional quantitative survey of randomly sampled community pharmacies and their corresponding pharmacists/pharmacy workers was conducted in the city of Accra, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect data between May 1 and July 28, 2016. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) and bivariate and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Of the 165 community pharmacies surveyed, approximately half (83 [50.3%]) stocked misoprostol. Availability of misoprostol however decreased when moving from first class to third class residential areas. 44 (26.7%) of the respondents had prescribed the drug at some time for medical abortion, but 140 (84.6%) indicated they would not prescribe the drug for medical abortion in future. Factors that significantly predicted misoprostol prescription for medical abortion included sex of the pharmacist/pharmacy worker, demand, and availability of misoprostol. CONCLUSIONS Demand for misoprostol for medical abortion was found to be high but only half of community pharmacies stocked it, and most pharmacy workers did not wish to prescribe the drug. If community pharmacies are to effectively contribute to expanding access to safe abortion services in Ghana, the disparity between misoprostol provision and demand needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Ganle
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Nana T Busia
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Maya
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Gray D, Mishtal J. Managing an epidemic: Zika interventions and community responses in Belize. Glob Public Health 2018; 14:9-22. [PMID: 29733243 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1471146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Implementing effective health interventions in recent epidemics has been difficult due to the potentially global nature of their spread and sociocultural dynamics, raising questions concerning how to develop culturally-appropriate preventive measures, and how these health threats are understood locally. In Belize, health policy makers have only been marginally effective in managing infections and mosquito vectors, and Zika has been declared endemic in certain regions, particularly on the island of Caye Caulker. Based on ethnographic research conducted primarily in 2017, we examine how perspectives of Zika-related health consequences are shaped, and how state interventions to manage Zika are understood. We argue that despite its declared endemic status, Zika is not perceived as a true health concern for community members due to numerous neoliberal structural challenges. Moreover, the state's restrictive form of reproductive governance which limits family planning services is forcing individuals to weigh conflicting conceptions of health consequences. This also contributes to an ambiguous healthcare environment for health practitioners, giving them an unclear picture of the scope of Zika as a public health concern. We also consider how critical medical anthropology and feminist analytical approaches are useful in exploring these questions and contributing to understandings of the health impacts of Zika.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deven Gray
- a Department of Anthropology , University of Central Florida , Orlando , USA
| | - Joanna Mishtal
- a Department of Anthropology , University of Central Florida , Orlando , USA
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Huda FA, Mahmood HR, Alam A, Ahmmed F, Karim F, Sarker BK, Al Haque N, Ahmed A. Provision of menstrual regulation with medication among pharmacies in three municipal districts of Bangladesh: a situation analysis. Contraception 2017; 97:144-151. [PMID: 29175274 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the provision of the combination of mifepristone-misoprostol for menstrual regulation (MR) in randomly selected urban pharmacies in Bangladesh. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 553 pharmacy workers followed by 548 mystery client visits to the same pharmacies in 3 municipal districts during July 2014-December 2015. RESULTS The survey found that 99% of pharmacy workers visited had knowledge of MR procedures but only two-thirds (67%) could state the legal time limit correctly; they mentioned misoprostol (86%) over mifepristone-misoprostol combination (78%) as a procedure of MR with medication (MRM); 36% reported knowing the recommended dosage of mifepristone-misoprostol combination; 70% reported providing information on effectiveness of the medicines; 50% reported recommending at least one follow-up visit to them; 63% reported explaining possible complications of using the medications; and 47% reported offering any post-MR contraception to their clients. In contrast, mystery client visits found that the mifepristone-misoprostol combination (69%) was suggested over misoprostol (51%) by the pharmacy workers; 54% provided the recommended dosage of mifepristone-misoprostol combination; 42% provided information on its effectiveness; 12% recommended at least one follow-up visit; 11% counseled on possible complications; and only 5% offered post-MR contraceptives to the mystery clients. CONCLUSIONS We found knowledge gaps regarding recommended dosage for MRM and inconsistent practice in informing women on effectiveness, follow-up visits, possible complications and provision of post-MR contraceptives among the pharmacy workers, particularly during the mystery client visits. IMPLICATIONS Pharmacy workers in Bangladesh need to be trained on legal time limits for MR services provision, on providing accurate information on disbursed medicine, and on proper referral mechanisms. A strong monitoring and regulatory system for pharmacy provision of MRM in pharmacies should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzia Akhter Huda
- icddr,b: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Anadil Alam
- icddr,b: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Faisal Ahmmed
- icddr,b: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Farzana Karim
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Nafis Al Haque
- icddr,b: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Anisuddin Ahmed
- icddr,b: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
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Pharmacy provision of sexual and reproductive health commodities to young people: a systematic literature review and synthesis of the evidence. Contraception 2016; 95:339-363. [PMID: 28025018 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on youth access to, use of and quality of care of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) commodities through pharmacies. METHODS Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, we searched for publications from 2000 to 2016. To be eligible for inclusion, articles had to address the experiences of young people (aged 25 years and below) accessing SRH commodities (e.g., contraception, abortifacients) via pharmacies. The heterogeneity of the studies precluded meta-analysis - instead, we conducted thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 2842 titles were screened, and 49 met the inclusion criteria. Most (n=43) were from high-income countries, and 33 examined emergency hormonal contraception provision. Seventeen focused on experiences of pharmacy personnel in provision, while 28 assessed client experiences. Pharmacy provision of SRH commodities was appealing to and utilized by youth. Increasing access to SRH commodities for youth did not correspond to increases in risky sexual behavior. Both pharmacists and youth had reservations about the ease of access and its impact on sexual behaviors. In settings where regulations allowing pharmacy access were established, some pharmacy personnel created barriers to access or refused access entirely. DISCUSSION With training and support, pharmacy personnel can serve as critical SRH resources to young people. Further research is needed to better understand how to capitalize on the potential of pharmacy provision of SRH commodities to young people without sacrificing qualities which make pharmacies so appealing to young people in the first place.
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Reiss K, Footman K, Akora V, Liambila W, Ngo TD. Pharmacy workers' knowledge and provision of medication for termination of pregnancy in Kenya. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 42:208-12. [PMID: 26869694 PMCID: PMC4975816 DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess pharmacy workers’ knowledge and provision of abortion information and methods in Kenya. Methods In 2013 we interviewed 235 pharmacy workers in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu about the medical abortion services they provide. We also used mystery clients, who made 401 visits to pharmacies to collect first-hand information on abortion practices. Results The majority (87.5%) of pharmacy workers had heard of misoprostol but only 39.2% had heard of mifepristone. We found that pharmacy workers had limited knowledge of correct medical abortion regimens, side effects and complications and the legal status of abortion drugs. 49.8% of pharmacy workers reported providing abortion information to clients and 4.3% reported providing abortion methods. 75.2% of pharmacies referred mystery clients to another provider, though 64.2% of pharmacies advised mystery clients to continue with their pregnancy. Pharmacy workers reported that they were experiencing demand for abortion services from clients. Conclusions Pharmacy workers are important providers of information and referrals for women seeking abortion, however their medical abortion knowledge is limited. Training pharmacy workers on medical abortion may improve the quality of information provided and access to safe abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Reiss
- Researcher, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Health Systems Department, Marie Stopes International, London, UK
| | - Katharine Footman
- Research Consultant, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Health Systems Department, Marie Stopes International, London, UK
| | - Vitalis Akora
- Research Officer, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Marie Stopes Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wilson Liambila
- Senior Programme Officer, Population Council, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thoai D Ngo
- Head of Research, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Health Systems Department, Marie Stopes International, London, UK
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Hendrickson C, Fetters T, Mupeta S, Vwallika B, Djemo P, Raisanen K. Client-pharmacy worker interactions regarding medical abortion in Zambia in 2009 and 2011. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2015; 132:214-8. [PMID: 26604158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine sales practices, knowledge, and behavior of pharmacy workers regarding medical abortion in 2009 and 2011 in Zambia, where hostile and stigmatizing attitudes still result in high rates of unsafe abortion. METHODS Four mystery clients visited pharmacies during 2009 and 2011, and recorded their experiences following their interactions using a standardized form. Bivariate analysis examined pharmacy workers' attitudes, behavior, and medical abortion-dispensing practices. RESULTS Mystery clients visited 76 pharmacies in 2009 and 80 pharmacies in 2011. In 2011, mystery clients reported hostile interactions with pharmacy workers at 8 (10%) pharmacy visits, a relative decrease from 7 (22%) in 2009 (P=0.0353). In 2009, less than half (35 [46%]) of clients received information or had the opportunity to purchase medical abortion drugs in comparison with 53 (66%) in 2011 (P=0.0110). In 2011, more pharmacy workers mentioned a valid medical abortion drug in comparison with 2009 (42 [53%] vs 31 [41%], respectively); however, guidance for women on misoprostol use was minimal. CONCLUSION Pharmacy workers exhibited increased awareness of misoprostol, less hostility, and a willingness to sell medical abortion drugs; however, they continued to provide inadequate information on misoprostol for medical abortion. Effective training of pharmacy employees is vital in increasing access to safe induced-abortion care.
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Coeytaux F, Hessini L, Allina A. Bold Action to Meet Women's Needs: Putting Abortion Pills in U.S. Women's Hands. Womens Health Issues 2015; 25:608-11. [PMID: 26410380 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy Allina
- National Women's Health Network, Washington, DC
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Powell-Jackson T, Acharya R, Filippi V, Ronsmans C. Delivering medical abortion at scale: a study of the retail market for medical abortion in Madhya Pradesh, India. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120637. [PMID: 25822656 PMCID: PMC4379109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical abortion (mifepristone and misoprostol) has the potential to contribute to reduced maternal mortality but little is known about the provision or quality of advice for medical abortion through the private retail sector. We examined the availability of medical abortion and the practices of pharmacists in India, where abortion has been legal since 1972. METHODS We interviewed 591 pharmacists in 60 local markets in city, town and rural areas of Madhya Pradesh. One month later, we returned to 359 pharmacists with undercover patients who presented themselves unannounced as genuine customers seeking a medical abortion. RESULTS Medical abortion was offered to undercover patients by 256 (71.3%) pharmacists and 24 different brands were identified. Two thirds (68.5%) of pharmacists stated that abortion was illegal in India. Only 106 (38.5%) pharmacists asked clients the timing of the last menstrual period and 38 (13.8%) requested to see a doctor's prescription - a legal requirement in India. Only 59 (21.5%) pharmacists correctly advised patients on the gestational limit for medical abortion, 97 (35.3%) provided correct information on how many and when to take the tablets in a combination pack, and 78 (28.4%) gave accurate advice on where to seek care in case of complications. Advice on post-abortion family planning was almost nonexistent. CONCLUSIONS The retail market for medical abortion is extensive, but the quality of advice given to patients is poor. Although the contribution of medical abortion to women's health in India is poorly understood, there is an urgent need to improve the practices of pharmacists selling medical abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Powell-Jackson
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Veronique Filippi
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carine Ronsmans
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Sorhaindo AM, Juárez-Ramírez C, Díaz Olavarrieta C, Aldaz E, Mejía Piñeros MC, Garcia S. Qualitative evidence on abortion stigma from Mexico City and five states in Mexico. Women Health 2014; 54:622-40. [PMID: 25068848 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2014.919983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Social manifestations of abortion stigma depend upon cultural, legal, and religious context. Abortion stigma in Mexico is under-researched. This study explored the sources, experiences, and consequences of stigma from the perspectives of women who had had an abortion, male partners, and members of the general population in different regional and legal contexts. We explored abortion stigma in Mexico City where abortion is legal in the first trimester and five states-Chihuahua, Chiapas, Jalisco, Oaxaca, and Yucatán-where abortion remains restricted. In each state, we conducted three focus groups-men ages 24-40 years (n = 36), women 25-40 years (n = 37), and young women ages 18-24 years (n = 27)-and four in-depth face-to-face interviews in total; two with women (n = 12) and two with the male partners of women who had had an abortion (n = 12). For 4 of the 12 women, this was their second abortion. This exploratory study suggests that abortion stigma was influenced by norms that placed a high value on motherhood and a conservative Catholic discourse. Some participants in this study described abortion as an "indelible mark" on a woman's identity and "divine punishment" as a consequence. Perspectives encountered in Mexico City often differed from the conservative postures in the states.
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Brata C, Gudka S, Schneider CR, Clifford RM. A review of the provision of appropriate advice by pharmacy staff for self-medication in developing countries. Res Social Adm Pharm 2014; 11:136-53. [PMID: 25139059 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients in developing countries often prefer to self-medicate via community pharmacies. Pharmacy staff are therefore in a strategic position to optimize the health of the public by providing appropriate advice to patients who self-medicate. OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of pharmacy staff who provide appropriate advice when handling self-medication requests in developing countries. METHOD A literature search was undertaken via MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Studies that reported on the proportion of pharmacy staff providing appropriate advice when handling self-medication requests in developing countries were included. The appropriateness of advice was determined by each author's definition in the original studies. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. There were variations in methods, scenarios, how the authors reported and defined appropriate advice, and study populations. The proportion of pharmacy staff providing appropriate advice varied widely from 0% to 96%, with a minority providing appropriate advice in 83% of the scenarios performed. CONCLUSION There was considerable variation in results, with the majority of studies reporting that inappropriate advice was provided by pharmacy staff when handling self-medication requests in developing countries. Consistent and robust methods are required to provide comparisons across practice settings. There is also a need to identify contributing factors to poor provision of advice for developing intervention strategies for practice improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Brata
- Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Centre of Medicine Information and Pharmaceutical Care, The University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Sajni Gudka
- Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carl R Schneider
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rhonda M Clifford
- Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Huda FA, Ngo TD, Ahmed A, Alam A, Reichenbach L. Availability and provision of misoprostol and other medicines for menstrual regulation among pharmacies in Bangladesh via mystery client survey. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2013; 124:164-8. [PMID: 24268354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the availability and provision of misoprostol and other medicines for menstrual regulation (MR) among pharmacies in Bangladesh. METHODS Between March and November 2011, a cross-sectional study using mystery client visits was conducted among pharmacy workers in Dhaka and Gazipur Districts, Bangladesh. Mystery clients were trained to present 1 of 4 pre-developed situations to pharmacy workers to elicit information on the regimen, adverse effects, and complications of misoprostol use. RESULTS Mystery clients visited 331 pharmacies. Among the 331 pharmacy workers, 45.8% offered the mystery clients misoprostol and/or other medicines for MR; 25.7% referred them to private clinics or hospitals. Only 7% recommended an effective regimen of misoprostol for MR; 65% suggested administering vaginal and oral misoprostol together. Overall, 72.4% did not provide any advice on complications; the remainder suggested visiting trained providers for complications. Counseling on excessive bleeding as a danger sign was provided by 46% of pharmacy workers. Most (94%) did not provide or refer for post-MR family planning. CONCLUSION Pharmacy workers in urban Bangladesh are providing ineffective drugs and regimens for MR. A training package is needed to strengthen service delivery by providing accurate information, high-quality products, and referral mechanisms for women seeking MR through pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzia A Huda
- Centre for Reproductive Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Thoai D Ngo
- Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Health System Department, Marie Stopes International, London, UK
| | - Anisuddin Ahmed
- Centre for Reproductive Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anadil Alam
- Centre for Reproductive Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Laura Reichenbach
- Centre for Reproductive Health, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Park MH, Nguyen TH, Dang ATN, Ngo TD. Medical abortion practices among private providers in Vietnam. Int J Womens Health 2013; 5:593-8. [PMID: 24082795 PMCID: PMC3785392 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s51137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe medical abortion (MA) practices among private providers in Vietnam. Methods The study subjects were women (n = 258) undergoing early MA through 12 private providers in Hanoi during February–June 2012. The women were interviewed on the day of their procedure and were followed up by telephone 14 days after mifepristone administration. Results Of the 258 women in the study, 97% used a regimen of mifepristone plus misoprostol; 80% were instructed to administer misoprostol at home. MA resulted in a complete termination in 90.8% of cases. All women were provided with information on potential complications and were instructed to return for a follow-up visit. We successfully followed up 77.5% (n = 200) of participants by telephone, while nearly two-thirds of women returned to the clinic for a follow-up visit. At follow-up, 39.5% of women reported having used a Help line service, while 7% had sought help from a health provider. A high unmet need for postabortion family planning was identified. Conclusion Follow-up of women, postabortion care, and the provision of family planning have been identified as important areas to address for strengthening MA services in the private sector in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hae Park
- Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Health System Department, Marie Stopes International, London, UK
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Zamberlin N, Romero M, Ramos S. Latin American women's experiences with medical abortion in settings where abortion is legally restricted. Reprod Health 2012; 9:34. [PMID: 23259660 PMCID: PMC3557184 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4755-9-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abortion is legally restricted in most of Latin America where 95% of the 4.4 million abortions performed annually are unsafe. Medical abortion (MA) refers to the use of a drug or a combination of drugs to terminate pregnancy. Mifepristone followed by misoprostol is the most effective and recommended regime. In settings where mifepristone is not available, misoprostol alone is used.Medical abortion has radically changed abortion practices worldwide, and particularly in legally restricted contexts. In Latin America women have been using misoprostol for self-induced home abortions for over two decades.This article summarizes the findings of a literature review on women's experiences with medical abortion in Latin American countries where voluntary abortion is illegal.Women's personal experiences with medical abortion are diverse and vary according to context, age, reproductive history, social and educational level, knowledge about medical abortion, and the physical, emotional, and social circumstances linked to the pregnancy. But most importantly, experiences are determined by whether or not women have the chance to access: 1) a medically supervised abortion in a clandestine clinic or 2) complete and accurate information on medical abortion. Other key factors are access to economic resources and emotional support.Women value the safety and effectiveness of MA as well as the privacy that it allows and the possibility of having their partner, a friend or a person of their choice nearby during the process. Women perceive MA as less painful, easier, safer, more practical, less expensive, more natural and less traumatic than other abortion methods. The fact that it is self-induced and that it avoids surgery are also pointed out as advantages. Main disadvantages identified by women are that MA is painful and takes time to complete. Other negatively evaluated aspects have to do with side effects, prolonged bleeding, the possibility that it might not be effective, and the fact that some women eventually need to seek medical care at a hospital where they might be sanctioned for having an abortion and even reported to the police.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Zamberlin
- Center for the Study of State and Society (CEDES) (External Researcher) and Adolescent Health Foundation (FUSA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Grossman D, Garcia SG, Kingston J, Schweikert S. Mexican women seeking safe abortion services in San Diego, California. Health Care Women Int 2012; 33:1060-9. [PMID: 23066967 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2012.673660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Except for in Mexico City, abortion is legally restricted throughout Mexico, and unsafe abortion is prevalent. We surveyed 1,516 women seeking abortions in San Diego, California. Of these, 87 women (5.7%) self-identified as Mexican residents. We performed in-depth interviews with 17 of these women about their experiences seeking abortions in California. The Mexican women interviewed were generally well-educated and lived near the U.S.-Mexican border; most sought care in the United States due to mistrust of services in Mexico, and the desire to access mifepristone, a drug registered in the United States for early medical abortion. Several reported difficulties obtaining health care in Mexico or reentering the United States when they had postabortion complications. Several areas for improvement were identified, including outreach to clinics in Mexico.
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Sneeringer RK, Billings DL, Ganatra B, Baird TL. Roles of pharmacists in expanding access to safe and effective medical abortion in developing countries: a review of the literature. J Public Health Policy 2012; 33:218-29. [PMID: 22402571 PMCID: PMC3510770 DOI: 10.1057/jphp.2012.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Unsafe abortion continues to be a major contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity around the world. This article examines the role of pharmacists in expanding women's access to safe medical abortion in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Available research shows that although pharmacists and pharmacy workers often sell abortion medications to women, accurate information about how to use the medications safely and effectively is rarely offered. No publication covered effective interventions by pharmacists to expand access to medical abortion, but lessons can be learned from successful interventions with other reproductive health services. To better serve women, increasing awareness and improving training for pharmacists and pharmacy workers about unsafe abortion - and medications that can safely induce abortion - are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn K Sneeringer
- Medical Abortion Initiative, Ipas, 300 Market Street, Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA. E-mail:
| | - Deborah L Billings
- Arnold School of Public Health, Health Promotion, Education and Behavior & Women's and Gender Studies, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, 401 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bela Ganatra
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Traci L Baird
- Medical Abortion Initiative, Ipas, 300 Market Street, Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA. E-mail:
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Ngo TD, Park MH, Nguyen TH. Pharmacy workers' knowledge and provision of abortifacients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012; 117:187-8. [PMID: 22342054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thoai D Ngo
- Research and Metrics Team, Health System Department, Marie Stopes International, London, UK.
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Bayer AM, Nussbaum L, Cabrera L, Paz-Soldan VA. Missed opportunities for health education on Pap smears in Peru. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2011; 38:198-209. [PMID: 21464205 DOI: 10.1177/1090198110379580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite cervical cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Peru, cervical Pap smear coverage is low. This article uses findings from 185 direct clinician observations in four cities of Peru (representing the capital and each of the three main geographic regions of the country) to assess missed opportunities for health education on Pap smears and other preventive women's health behaviors during women's visits to a health care provider. Various types of health establishments, provider settings, and provider types were observed. Opportunities for patient education on the importance of prevention were rarely exploited. In fact, health education provided was minimal. Policy and programmatic implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bayer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Chin KL. Sexual/reproductive health and the pharmacist: what is known and what is needed? JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1759-8893.2011.00050.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Levin C, Grossman D, Berdichevsky K, Diaz C, Aracena B, Garcia SG, Goodyear L. Exploring the costs and economic consequences of unsafe abortion in Mexico City before legalisation. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2009; 17:120-32. [PMID: 19523589 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-8080(09)33432-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An assessment of abortion outcomes and costs to the health care system in Mexico City was conducted in 2005 at a mix of public and private facilities prior to the legalisation of abortion. Data were obtained from hospital staff, administrative records and patients. Direct cost estimates included personnel, drugs, disposable supplies, and medical equipment for inducing abortion or treating incomplete abortions and other complications. Indirect patient costs for travel, childcare and lost wages were also estimated. The average cost per abortion with dilatation and curettage was 143 US dollars. For manual vacuum aspiration it was 111 US dollars in three public hospitals and 53 US dollars at a private clinic. The average cost of medical abortion with misoprostol alone was 79 US dollars. The average cost of treating severe abortion complications at the public hospitals ranged from 601 US dollars to over 2,100 US dollars. Increasing access to manual vacuum aspiration and early abortion with misoprostol could reduce government costs by 62%, with potential savings of up to 1.6 million US dollars per year. Reducing complications by improving access to safe services in outpatient settings would further reduce the costs of abortion care, with significant benefits both to Mexico's health care system and women seeking abortion. Additional research is needed to explore whether cost savings have been realised post-legalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Levin
- Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Faúndes A, Rao K, Briozzo L. Right to protection from unsafe abortion and postabortion care. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2009; 106:164-7. [PMID: 19539932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The International Congress on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action urged governments and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations to reduce women's recourse to abortion through improved family planning services; reliable information and counseling should be readily accessible to women who have unwanted pregnancies; where abortion is legal, it should be safe; and in all cases, quality services for management of abortion complications should be accessible. Review of the extent to which these recommendations have been implemented over the last 15 years shows that, with few exceptions, little attention has been given to this serious problem. Because of its political and religious implications, abortion is mostly ignored. Those with the power to promote change have an obligation to raise the issue of abortion from the darkness in which it is currently hidden, and bring it into the public light as a human drama and a health problem that is not difficult to solve if the ICPD recommendations are taken seriously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anibal Faúndes
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Campinas (Unicamp), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Pharmacy worker practices related to use of misoprostol for abortion in one Mexican state. Contraception 2009; 79:445-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2008.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 12/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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