Original Research
Monday, November 13, 2023
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Oral emergency contraception (EC) prevents pregnancy up to 5 days after sex, and is most effective when taken as soon as possible. Levonorgestrel (LNG) EC may be sold directly to consumers without restrictions, ulipristal acetate (UPA) EC is prescription only. However, telephone mystery shopper data indicates consumers often face barriers accessing LNG and UPA EC in pharmacies.
Research Question or Hypothesis:
Is oral EC readily available for consumers in Georgia community pharmacies, and are there differences in Metropolitan and Non-metropolitan counties?
Study Design:
Prospective, cross sectional analysis.
Methods:
Researchers visited community pharmacies in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan Georgia counties in Jul-Aug of 2022. Data collection included LNG location in the store (OTC, locked but on OTC shelf, behind counter), use of inappropriate age restrictions, and UPA availability. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test was conducted.
Results:
248 pharmacies (70.2% Metro, 29.8% Non-metro) were included in data analysis, of which 59.3% (58.6% Metro vs. 62.2% Non-Metro, p=0.65) did not have LNG on the OTC shelf. Of 101 stores that stocked LNG on the shelf, 70.3% (78.1% Metro vs. 50% Non-metro, p=0.01) restricted access (locked) in some way. Of the stores that did not stock EC on the shelf, 57.5% (59.8% Metro vs 50% Non-metro, p=0.38) had it in stock behind the counter. Of the 155 pharmacists responding, 28.4% endorsed inappropriate age restrictions (23.3% Metro vs 38.5% Non-metro, p=0.07). UPA EC was stocked in 7.22% (8.1% Metro vs. 5.1% Non-Metro, p=0.65) of pharmacies.
Conclusion:
Georgia consumers still face barriers to EC access. Although LNG EC is available OTC without restrictions, most pharmacies did not have it on the OTC shelf, and those that did usually employed locks, particularly in Metro counties. Inappropriate age restrictions were imposed in a quarter of pharmacies. UPA EC was rarely available. Strategies to improve EC access, including unrestricted LNG OTC access, may help improve timely use and efficacy.
Presenting Author
Rebecca H. Stone PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, FCCPUniversity of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Authors
Nicola Brogan MSc, RN
American Society for Emergency Contraception
Kyana Morris PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Madison O'Neal PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Kaitlyn Orzechowski PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Megha Patel PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Victoria Clark PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Kelly Cleland MPA, MPH
American Society for Emergency Contraception
Alley Dorsey PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy