Barriers and Provision of Emergency and Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception: Insights from Pharmacy Practices in Utah State

OBJECTIVES: Utah had 19.4% unintended pregnancy, with 203,600 women in contraceptive deserts lacking adequate access to contraception services. Pharmacies, accessible to 96.5% of Americans, can play a vital role in improving access to healthcare services, including contraception, in the US. Previous literature has identified that relatively few pharmacies in Utah provide pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception. This study examines pharmacy-based emergency and pharmacist-prescribed contraception availability, barriers, and their impact on patient care in Utah. Understanding these factors is crucial to addressing reproductive justice and contraception deserts, aiding in enhancing pharmacists' role in providing essential services to communities.

METHODS: This survey focused on licensed pharmacists registered with Utah's Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) practicing within community settings, either part-time or full-time. Demographic data collected encompassed age, race, gender, pharmacy education, training levels, experience, pharmacy type, location, and geographical region.

RESULTS: In the surveyed cohort, around 51% were male, while approximately 55% fell within the age bracket of 30 to 50 years—moreover, a significant majority, constituting 82%, self-identified as Caucasian. Of the participants, 48% received their pharmacy education from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, with 57.1% practicing pharmacy for 11 or more years. The majority (66.8%) worked in urban settings.

Regarding services, 73% reported that their pharmacies offered emergency contraceptives, while 44% indicated the provision of prescribed hormonal contraception. There was no significant difference in service availability between urban and rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes pharmacies' crucial role in addressing Utah's high unintended pregnancy rates. Despite notable service availability, barriers like reimbursement, time constraints, and managerial attitudes persist, hindering contraception provision. Overcoming these challenges is vital to enhance access and ensure equitable reproductive healthcare statewide.