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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:59
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Pharmacy access to emergency contraception in California
Diana Greene Foster1, Sharon Cohen Landau, Nicole Monastersky
1Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
|March 24, 2006
Summary
Women seeking emergency contraception (EC) often face delays. Direct pharmacy access is faster and more convenient, highlighting the need to increase awareness of EC availability.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmaceutical Access
- Public Health
Background:
- California permits pharmacy access to emergency contraceptives (EC) without a prescription.
- Many women are unaware of EC or direct pharmacy access, necessitating research into barriers and motivations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate barriers to obtaining emergency contraception (EC).
- To understand women's reasons for choosing pharmacy access for EC.
Main Methods:
- A 2004 survey of 426 women who obtained EC from 25 California pharmacies.
- Questionnaires assessed reasons for seeking EC, timing, barriers, awareness, and choice of pharmacy access.
- Chi-square tests and ANOVA analyzed subgroup differences.
Main Results:
- 86% of women desired immediate EC use, with average acquisition 36 hours post-intercourse.
- Younger women, weekend use, embarrassment, and lack of awareness were associated with longer acquisition times.
- Pharmacy access was chosen for speed (54%) and convenience (47%); 84% found pharmacists helpful, 81% valued direct pharmacy access.
Conclusions:
- Improving awareness of EC and pharmacy availability can reduce treatment initiation time.
- Direct pharmacy access for EC is perceived as faster and more convenient.
- Pharmacist interaction is viewed positively, underscoring the importance of this access point.
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