The ultimate gatekeepers: A qualitative exploration of pharmacists' contraceptive service delivery practices in Albania

Pharmacists play a key role in contraceptive service delivery in Albania. This qualitative study explores the availability and accessibility of different contraceptive methods in Tirana, Albania, as well as the knowledge, opinions, and provision practices of retail pharmacists in the county.

In 2016, we conducted 16 in-person interviews with retail pharmacists in Tirana county, Albania. We also observed practices and dynamics in the pharmacies. We analyzed our data using descriptive statistics and for content and themes using inductive and deductive techniques.

Our findings suggest that although a number of contraceptive methods are available in pharmacies, there are numerous barriers to access. Pharmacists were both uninformed and misinformed about reproductive health technologies, in general, and hormonal contraceptives, in particular. Pharmacists reported that the lack of awareness, fear of judgment, and embarrassment among women are some of the biggest obstacles for women seeking contraceptives from pharmacies. Yet few pharmacists reflected on their own lack of knowledge and the role that health service provider misinformation and judgment plays in contraceptive service delivery.

Supporting continuing education efforts for pharmacists and pharmacists in training in Albania appears warranted. Improving pharmacists' knowledge of reproductive health technologies and fostering values clarification and transformation could address current barriers to access.

Our findings shed light on the barriers to contraceptive access in Albanian pharmacies. Developing strategies to raise awareness about contraception, training pharmacists to provide medically accurate counselling, and improving knowledge within the community through culturally and linguistically resonant education campaigns appear warranted.