1
|
Aladenola FB, Osemene KP, Ihekoronye RM. Evaluation of the participation of community pharmacists in family planning services: A nonrandomized controlled trial. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2024; 14:100430. [PMID: 38523832 PMCID: PMC10958471 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists (CPs) are increasingly participating in family planning services (FPS) in different health systems but the underpinnings of effectiveness in these services remain poorly understood and rarely documented. Objectives This study examined knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of FPS among CPs and assessed the impact of an intervention on these indices. METHODS A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted using two equivalent groups (n = 61 each) of randomly-selected CPs in Southwestern Nigeria. Intervention comprised a training package for the intervention group followed by a 2-month monitoring of participants' practices. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using validated questionnaire and analyzed using appropriate descriptive (frequency, percentages, mean) and inferential statistics including chi-square test to examine association between categorical variables, and t-test to compare differences between means at alpha level of 0.05 for all statistical tests. RESULTS Pre-intervention knowledge of FPS in both groups was poor with no significant difference in their mean scores [t (120) = 0.34; p = 0.74]. Post-intervention, 79% of intervention group demonstrated good knowledge (controls remained poor), with significant difference in mean knowledge scores across the groups [t (120) = -33.59; p < 0.05*]. Pre-intervention attitude in both control (97%) and intervention group (95%) were negative. Post-intervention, 93% of intervention group exhibited positive attitude (controls remained negative), Mean difference 72.8 [t (120) = -77.21; p < 0.05*]. Preintervention practice scores were poor in control (92%) and intervention (90%) groups. Post-intervention, 83.6% of intervention group had good practice scores (controls remained poor), Mean difference 48.9 [t (120) = -31.0; p < 0.05*]. CONCLUSION Pre-intervention scores for KAP of FPS were poor among respondents. All the indices were significantly improved by the study intervention. Policy reforms are recommended to train CPs in the provision of FPS for enhanced reproductive health services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kanayo Patrick Osemene
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Romanus Maduabuchi Ihekoronye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Walpola RL, Issakhany D, Gisev N, Hopkins RE. The accessibility of pharmacist prescribing and impacts on medicines access: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:475-486. [PMID: 38326207 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.01.006] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacist prescribing has been introduced in several countries as a strategy to improve access to health care and medicines. However, the direct impacts of pharmacist prescribing on medicines access, and the overall accessibility of pharmacist prescribing services, are not well known. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to assess the direct impacts of pharmacist prescribing on medicines access, and the accessibility of pharmacist prescribing services, in community and primary care settings. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for studies published in English between 01 January 2003 to 15 June 2023. Both quantitative and qualitative primary studies were included if they described pharmacist prescribing in a primary care setting. Outcomes included findings related to access to medicines as a result of pharmacist prescribing (primary outcome), and access to pharmacist prescribing services overall (secondary outcome). Narrative synthesis of outcomes was undertaken. RESULTS A total of 47 studies were included from four countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand). Thirteen studies provided evidence that pharmacist prescribing may improve medicines access in several ways, including: increasing the proportion of eligible people receiving medicines, increasing the number of overall dispensed prescriptions, or reducing time to receipt of treatment. The remainder of the included studies reported on the accessibility of pharmacist prescribing services. Published studies highlight that pharmacist prescribers practicing in community settings are generally accessible, with pharmacist prescribers viewed by patients as easy and convenient to consult. There was limited evidence about the affordability of pharmacy prescribing services, and a number of potential equity issues were observed, including reduced access to pharmacist prescribers in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and those with greater proportions of populations at risk of health inequities, such as culturally and linguistically diverse communities. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review found that pharmacist prescribing services were both highly accessible and beneficial in improving access to medicines. However, measures of medicines access varied, and few studies included direct measures of medicines access as an outcome of pharmacist prescribing, highlighting a need for future studies to incorporate direct measures of medicines access when assessing the impact of pharmacist prescribing services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh L Walpola
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Dabrina Issakhany
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ria E Hopkins
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cohen C, Hunter LA, Beltran RM, Serpico J, Packel L, Ochoa AM, McCoy SI, Conron KJ. Willingness of Pharmacists to Prescribe Medication Abortion in California. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e246018. [PMID: 38598235 PMCID: PMC11007579 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6018] [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] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Nearly half of US states have restricted abortion access. Policy makers are exploring pathways to increase access to abortion and reproductive health care more broadly. Since 2016, California pharmacists could prescribe hormonal birth control, providing an opportunity to learn about the implementation of pharmacist-provided reproductive health care. Objective To explore the feasibility of broadening pharmacist scope of practice to include prescribing medication abortion. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from October 11 to December 20, 2022, among a convenience sample of California licensed community pharmacists to examine their attitudes toward, knowledge of, and confidence in prescribing hormonal birth control and reports of pharmacy-level practices. Main Outcomes and Measures Descriptive analyses and log-binomial regression models were used to compare medication abortion and contraceptive provision attitudes by pharmacist and pharmacy characteristics. Results Among the 316 pharmacists included in the analysis who worked at community pharmacies across California (mean [SD] age, 40.9 [12.0] years; 169 of 285 [59.3%] cisgender women; and 159 of 272 [58.5%] non-Hispanic Asian individuals), most (193 of 280 [68.9%]) indicated willingness to prescribe medication abortion to pharmacy clients if allowed by law. However, less than half were confident in their knowledge of medication abortion (139 of 288 [48.3%]) or their ability to prescribe it (115 of 285 [40.4%]). Pharmacists who indicated that providing access to hormonal birth control as a prescribing provider was important (263 of 289 [91.0%]) and were confident in their ability to prescribe it (207 of 290 [71.4%]) were 3.96 (95% CI, 1.80-8.73) times and 2.44 (95% CI, 1.56-3.82) times more likely to be willing to prescribe medication abortion and to express confidence in doing so, respectively. Although most pharmacists held favorable attitudes toward hormonal birth control, less than half (144 of 308 [46.8%]) worked in a pharmacy that provided prescriptions for hormonal birth control, and 149 who did not reported barriers such as lack of knowledge or training (65 [43.6%]), insufficient staff or time to add new services (58 [38.9%]), and lack of coverage for services (50 [33.6%]). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cross-sectional survey study of California pharmacists suggest that most pharmacists were willing to prescribe medication abortion. However, future efforts to expand pharmacists' scope of practice should include training to increase knowledge and confidence in prescribing medication abortion. Pharmacy-level barriers to hormonal birth control prescription, such as insurance coverage for pharmacist effort, should also be addressed, as they may serve as barriers to medication abortion access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathren Cohen
- Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) School of Law
| | | | - Raiza M. Beltran
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA
- Now with School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Jaclyn Serpico
- Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) School of Law
| | - Laura Packel
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
- Now with Malkia Klabu Program, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | | | - Kerith J. Conron
- Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) School of Law
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Adgalanis MA, Davis BT, Hettinger KN, Thoma LM, Papineau JH, Meredith AH. Pharmacist-led hormonal contraceptive prescribing service in a Federally Qualified Health Center: Initial implementation outcomes. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:1185-1190.e1. [PMID: 37146941 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States has a higher rate of unintended pregnancy than many other developed countries, and Indiana's unintended pregnancy rate is above the national average. Unintended pregnancy rates are highest among low-income women. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) provide care for the underserved and uninsured patient population. OBJECTIVE To determine the acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility of a pharmacist-led hormonal contraception prescribing service within a FQHC through a collaborative drug therapy management protocol. METHODS An explanatory mixed methods analysis included surveys followed by semistructured interviews. A survey was created and distributed to all patients who received the service and all providers (physicians and nurse practitioners) employed at the FQHC during service implementation. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of patients and providers. RESULTS A total of 11 patients and 8 providers completed the survey between January 1, 2022 and June 10, 2022. Of these participants, 4 patients and 4 providers completed an interview between May 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022. Both patients and providers perceived the service as acceptable and appropriate, and providers perceived implementation of the service within clinic as feasible. Ten patients received a prescription from the pharmacist; 1 patient was referred to a provider as the pharmacist was unable to prescribe the medication requested. CONCLUSION Implementation of pharmacist prescribed hormonal contraception was perceived as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible by patients and providers. Pharmacists are perceived by patients and providers as an additional resource for hormonal contraception prescribing within a FQHC due to their clinical knowledge, efficiency, and attention paid to patients' concerns.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lungfiel G, Mandlmeier F, Kunow C, Langer B. Oral emergency contraception practices of community pharmacies: a mystery caller study in the capital of Germany, Berlin. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:68. [PMID: 37237301 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany, oral emergency contraception (EC) with the active ingredients levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is available as over-the-counter (OTC) medicine only from community pharmacies (CPs). Because of the window of effect, which is limited to only a few days, CPs have a great responsibility to provide rapid and unimpeded access, while also ensuring "adequate" counseling. The aim was-for the first time in Europe and thus also in Germany for the methodology used in this study-to investigate immediate availability, pricing, and aspects of counseling. METHODS Covert mystery calls were conducted in a random sample of CPs stratified by districts in the German capital Berlin. Each of the 263 CPs included was called once at random by one of two trained female student mystery callers. They simulated a product-based scenario for the UPA original ellaOne®, citing a contraceptive failure one day ago as the reason. RESULTS Of 257 successfully called CPs, UPA preparations were immediately available in 98.4% (253/257) and LNG preparations in 86.8% (184/212) of CPs. Prices for UPA preparations varied from €15.95 to €42.95 (∆ 169%; median €35.00 [interquartile range (IQR) €5.91]) and for LNG preparations from €10.60 to €32.49 (Δ 207%; median €22.00 [IQR €5.76]). Information about the correct different window of effect of UPA and LNG preparations was provided in 69.8% (127/182) of CPs. UPA preparations were recommended in 63.1% (111/176) and LNG preparations in 17.2% (30/174) of CPs. Information was provided on how to take them as soon as possible in 30.8% (44/143) of CPs and on how to use them after vomiting in 46.0% (64/139). CONCLUSIONS Berlin CPs support access through high immediate availability, especially to UPA preparations. However, access is hampered by high absolute price ranges of both UPA and LNG preparations, which could ideally be minimized by a comparison app. It is positive that CPs promote the benefits of UPA preparations by recommending them noticeably more often than LNG preparations. However, there are deficiencies in giving advice, so there is a need to raise awareness among pharmacy staff to ensure "adequate" counseling in advance over the phone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwenda Lungfiel
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Franca Mandlmeier
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Christian Kunow
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Langer
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mehta SD, Kulkarni AD, Pazol K, Koumans EH. Trends in Emergency Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults, 2006-2017. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:86-93. [PMID: 35351354 PMCID: PMC10982874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.01.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In 2013, age restrictions for adolescents on over-the-counter access were removed for "Plan B One-Step", a single oral medication option for emergency contraception use. Restrictions on generic options of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) were removed in 2014. METHODS National Survey of Family Growth data were used to assess the prevalence of ever use of ECPs among sexually experienced female adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 15-24 years (2015-2017 sample), and trends in indicators of ECP use and acquisition (2006-2017 samples). Prevalence estimates were obtained by age subgroups for 15-17, 18-19, and 20-24 years. Statistical significance was determined using an alpha of .05 and 95% confidence intervals calculated around the point estimates. RESULTS The weighted estimate of sexually experienced female AYA in the United States ranged from 13.3 million in 2006-2008 to 12.7 million in 2015-2017. The prevalence of ever ECP use was 18.2% (95% CI 15.7-21.1) and 31.8% (95% CI 26.9-37.1) in 2006-2008 and 2015-2017, respectively. Ever use in 2015-2017 varied by age group, number of lifetime opposite-sex partners and abortions, and experience of nonconsensual sex. In 2008-2010, 46.1% (95% CI 36.0-56.5) of respondents last obtained ECPs at community health or family planning clinics, and 31.8% (95% CI 22.9-42.2) last obtained ECPs at a pharmacy compared to 18.1% (95% CI 12.0-26.4) and 70.1% (95% CI 60.6-78.1) respectively in 2015-2017. Prevalence of provider counseling about emergency contraception in female AYA regardless of prior sexual experience in the past 12 months remained at or below 5% from 2006 to 2017. CONCLUSION Increasing access to ECPs over-the-counter may have contributed to notable increases in reported ever use of ECPs and in the receipts from a pharmacy among AYA between 2006 and 2017. AYA may benefit if pharmacists and healthcare providers increase reproductive health counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sagar D Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aniket D Kulkarni
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Karen Pazol
- Division of Human Development and Disability, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Emilia H Koumans
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rafie S, Wollum A, Grindlay K. Patient experiences with pharmacist prescribed hormonal contraception in California independent and chain pharmacies. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:378-386. [PMID: 34996577 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacist contraception care is an innovative practice that is rapidly expanding with policy changes. There is limited literature describing patient experiences with this pharmacist service. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to describe patient experiences using pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception in California pharmacies. METHODS An online survey was conducted among a cross-sectional convenience sample of people of all ages who completed a contraception visit with a pharmacist from December 2017 to January 2019 at a participating independent or chain pharmacy in California. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on patient characteristics, experiences and satisfaction with the service, and preventive health screenings. RESULTS A total of 160 individuals completed the survey and nearly all were adults (97%) and had started or completed postsecondary education (85%). Most (72%) visited the pharmacy to get a prescription for a contraceptive method they were already using. The most common method prescribed was the pill (90%). The most common reason for seeking a prescription at a pharmacy was because it would be faster than waiting for a doctor's appointment (74%), followed by the location and hours being more convenient (46% and 41%), saving money (28%), and not having a regular doctor (26%). Respondents reported satisfaction with the services overall (97%), level of comfort they felt with the pharmacist (94%), counseling provided (86%), and level of privacy (74%). Nearly all were likely to return to a pharmacist for contraception (96%) and recommend the service to a friend (95%). CONCLUSION Pharmacist prescribing of contraception in community pharmacies provided a convenient access point that was highly acceptable to patients who used it. One area for attention is in the level of privacy during contraception visits. These findings support the effectiveness of direct pharmacy access to contraception and encourage pharmacist contraception prescribing policies and widespread implementation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Pharmacist contraception services: All about access. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 62:345-348. [PMID: 34920956 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As increasing numbers of U.S. states and jurisdictions grant pharmacists the authority to prescribe contraception, it is essential that pharmacists understand reproductive justice principles. Many structural barriers exist surrounding pharmacist contraception services that limit patient access to and ability to use these services. Pharmacists should offer comprehensive and all-inclusive reproductive health care services and referrals as part of their role as contraception providers.
Collapse
|
9
|
Newlon JL, Reed JB, Stone RH, Satterfield KG, Meredith AH. Pharmacist‐prescribed
hormonal contraception services: A systematic review of implementation studies. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L. Newlon
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | - Jason B. Reed
- Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pharmacist-Prescribed Hormonal Contraception: Does Didactic Hormonal Contraception Education Affect Student Pharmacist Perceptions of This Professional Activity? PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9030145. [PMID: 34449736 PMCID: PMC8396284 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9030145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2014, select states have allowed pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception (HC). This study describes student pharmacists’ perceptions of a pharmacist’s scope of practice, education, and interest, and identifies differences between students who have completed didactic HC content in their professional curriculum versus those who have not. A voluntary online survey was emailed to all students in three Georgia pharmacy schools. Descriptive statistics were reported. Likert square responses were dichotomized, and Chi square testing identified differences between groups. A total of 1256 students were invited, 35% completed the survey, of those 68% had received HC didactic content in their curriculum. Regardless of HC education, most students “agree” or “strongly agree” that pharmacists are adequately educated to prescribe HC (92% vs. 86%, p = 0.05) and prescribing HC is within the pharmacist’s scope of practice (89% vs. 84%, p = 0.12). Although not currently permitted in Georgia, most are interested in prescribing (97% vs. 96%, p = 0.5). Of the students who have received HC didactic content, 87% felt “moderately”, “well”, or “extremely well-educated” regarding HC prescribing clinical skills. Regardless of didactic training, pharmacy students believe pharmacists are prepared to prescribe HC and support pharmacist-prescribed HC as a part of their future professional scope of practice.
Collapse
|
11
|
Guadamuz JS, Alexander GC, Zenk SN, Kanter GP, Wilder JR, Qato DM. Access to pharmacies and pharmacy services in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston, 2015-2020. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:e32-e41. [PMID: 34366287 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the importance of pharmacies in ensuring medications and health care needs are met, there is limited up-to-date information regarding access to pharmacies or their services in the United States. OBJECTIVES To evaluate trends and disparities in access to pharmacies in 4 largest cities in the United States, New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago, by neighborhood racial and ethnic composition from 2015 to 2020. METHODS Data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (2015-2020) and the American Community Survey (2015-2019) were used. We examined neighborhoods (i.e., census tracts) and evaluated disparities in "pharmacy deserts" (low-income neighborhoods (1) whose average distance to the nearest pharmacy was at least 1 mile or (2) whose average distance to the nearest pharmacy was at least 0.5 mile and at least 100 households had no vehicle access). We also evaluated the differences in pharmacy closures and the availability of pharmacy services. RESULTS From 2015 to 2020, the percent of neighborhoods with pharmacy deserts declined in New York City (from 1.6% to 0.9% of neighborhoods, P < 0.01), remained stable in Los Angeles (13.7% to 13.4%, P = 0.58) and Houston (27.0% to 28.5%, P = 0.18), and increased in Chicago (15.0% to 19.9%, P < 0.01). Pharmacy deserts were persistently more common in Black and Latino neighborhoods in all 4 cities. As of 2020, pharmacies in Black and Latino neighborhoods were also more likely to close and less likely to offer immunization, 24-hour, and drive-through services than pharmacies in other neighborhoods. CONCLUSION To reduce disparities in access to medications and health care services, including those in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (e.g., testing and vaccinations), policies that improve pharmacy access and expand the provision of pharmacy services in minority neighborhoods are critical.
Collapse
|
12
|
Agénor M, Pérez AE, Wilhoit A, Almeda F, Charlton BM, Evans ML, Borrero S, Austin SB. Contraceptive Care Disparities Among Sexual Orientation Identity and Racial/Ethnic Subgroups of U.S. Women: A National Probability Sample Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:1406-1415. [PMID: 34129406 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual minority women may use contraception for various reasons but face notable barriers to contraceptive care, including stigma and discrimination. However, studies examining sexual orientation disparities in contraceptive care have largely relied on nonprobability samples of predominately White women and may thus not be generalizable to U.S. women overall or Black and Latina women in particular. Materials and Methods: Using data from the 2006 to 2017 National Survey of Family Growth, a large national probability sample of U.S. women 15-44 years of age (N = 25,473), we used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios for receiving a contraceptive method or prescription and contraceptive counseling from a health care provider in the past year among sexual orientation identity and racial/ethnic subgroups of heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian White, Black, and Latina women relative to White heterosexual women. Results: Among women overall, 33.9% had received contraception and 18.3% had obtained contraceptive counseling. Black (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.82) and Latina (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64-0.82) heterosexual women, White (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.99) and Black (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32-0.58) bisexual women, and White (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13-0.43), Black (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40), and Latina (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.22) lesbian women had significantly lower adjusted odds of receiving contraception compared with White heterosexual women. White (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.85), Black (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18-0.98), and Latina (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09-0.53) lesbian women also had significantly lower adjusted odds of obtaining contraceptive counseling relative to White heterosexual women. Conclusions: Policies, programs, and practices that facilitate access to person-centered contraceptive care among marginalized sexual orientation identity and racial/ethnic subgroups of U.S. women are needed to promote reproductive health equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madina Agénor
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashley E Pérez
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amanda Wilhoit
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Florence Almeda
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Megan L Evans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sonya Borrero
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guadamuz JS, Wilder JR, Mouslim MC, Zenk SN, Alexander GC, Qato DM. Fewer Pharmacies In Black And Hispanic/Latino Neighborhoods Compared With White Or Diverse Neighborhoods, 2007-15. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 40:802-811. [PMID: 33939507 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The accessibility of pharmacies may be an overlooked contributor to persistent racial and ethnic disparities in the use of prescription medications and essential health care services within urban areas in the US. We examined the availability and geographic accessibility of pharmacies across neighborhoods based on their racial/ethnic composition in the thirty most populous US cities. In all cities examined, we found persistently fewer pharmacies located in Black and Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods than White or diverse neighborhoods throughout 2007-15. In 2015 there were disproportionately more pharmacy deserts in Black or Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods than in White or diverse neighborhoods, including those that are not federally designated Medically Underserved Areas. These disparities were most pronounced in Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. We also found that Black and Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods were more likely to experience pharmacy closures compared with other neighborhoods. Our findings suggest that efforts to increase access to medications and essential health care services, including in response to COVID-19, should consider policies that ensure equitable pharmacy accessibility across neighborhoods in US cities. Such efforts could include policies that encourage pharmacies to locate in pharmacy deserts, including increases to Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates for pharmacies most at risk for closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny S Guadamuz
- Jenny S. Guadamuz is a postdoctoral fellow in the Program on Medicines and Public Health in the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, in Los Angeles, California
| | - Jocelyn R Wilder
- Jocelyn R. Wilder is a PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois
| | - Morgane C Mouslim
- Morgane C. Mouslim is a policy analyst at the Hilltop Insititute, University of Maryland Baltimore County, in Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shannon N Zenk
- Shannon N. Zenk is director of the National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland. She was a professor in the Department of Population Health Nursing Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, when this work was conducted
| | - G Caleb Alexander
- G. Caleb Alexander is a professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and codirector of the school's Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, in Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dima Mazen Qato
- Dima Mazen Qato is an associate professor at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, senior fellow at the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, and director of the school's Program on Medicines and Public Health
| |
Collapse
|