The impact of caller characteristics on levonorgestrel emergency contraception access in West Virginia community pharmacies

Abstract

ObjectiveAccess to levonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraception (EC) has increased since the FDA removed age restrictions on over-the-counter (OTC) LNG EC in 2013, but availability is highly variable and numerous barriers to access remain. The purpose of this study was to assess availability and accessibility of LNG EC at community pharmacies in West Virginia (WV). MethodsA mystery caller cross-sectional study was conducted to assess availability and accessibility of LNG EC. Inquiries were made by identified ‘research’ staff and by staff presenting as a 16 y/o. ResultsNearly half of community pharmacies reported having LNG EC in stock. Pharmacy staff were significantly more likely to tell research callers LNG EC was in stock (53%) and more likely to report willingness to order it (50%) than ‘teen’ callers (45% and 34%, respectively). There was no significant difference between caller types on the five barriers assessed. ConclusionLack of availability may contribute to teen and unintended pregnancies.