Abstract
Background: Pharmacists can play a critical role in the access to emergency contraception (EC). We assessed if knowledge and attitudes were predictive of EC dispensing among a statewide sample of Florida pharmacists, who have legal authority to refuse to dispense medications. Study Design: In 2008, surveys were mailed to a random sample of 1264 pharmacists registered with the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Data from 272 pharmacists (22% response rate) were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Fifty-six percent of respondents incorrectly answered that EC causes birth defects, and 46% replied that it causes abortion. Only 22% said that EC can be purchased in advance of need. Many felt uncomfortable dispensing to adolescents (61%) and men (58%). Knowledge about EC was the most important predictor of dispensing [odds ratio (OR)=1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.03]. In particular, pharmacists who reported that EC does not act as an abortifacient were more likely to dispense it (OR=4.64, 95% CI 2.15-10.00). Conclusions: Correct information about EC was the most important predictor of pharmacists' dispensing EC. To expand availability of EC, pharmacists will have to become better informed.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 370-375 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Contraception |
Volume | 86 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Access to care
- Dispensing practice
- Emergency contraceptive pill
- Pharmacists
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology