Population Geography and Emergency Contraception Access in Louisiana

Abstract

We assessed the same-day availability of oral emergency contraception (EC) in five Louisiana communities, and evaluated this data for relationships between availability and local population demographics. Researchers called all retail pharmacies in five municipalities of varying sizes in order to inquire about the same-day stockage of EC products and their availability to teens. Individual pharmacies were then geolocated to a census tract, and call data was analyzed against neighborhood census data regarding population size, income, gender, race, family structure, and educational level. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to predict the same-day availability of emergency contraception. EC was available on the same day in 66% of all pharmacies. The same-day availability of EC decreased with the local population size (p < 0.001), and the availability increased with higher levels of educational attainment (p = 0.0015). The largest census level predictor of access to same-day EC was the city population, with the availability increasing by 6.6% for every 10,000 person increase in population. Despite changing to over-the-counter sales in 2013, EC is still not widely available in all geographic areas. Its availability is partially predictable by local population demographics, and this difference may represent a health disparity for teens and women seeking EC.

Oral emergency contraception practices of community pharmacies: a mystery caller study in the capital of Germany, Berlin

“…One CP even had neither a UPA nor an LNG preparation immediately available, which is problematic considering the factor of “time” for oral EC to be taken and effective. CPs could order the preparation that is not immediately available and also have it delivered on the same day, thus enabling at least same-day availability—as some MC studies in (large) cities or metropolitan areas in the USA have investigated [ 24 – 26 , 29 , 38 , 40 , 42 – 44 , 53 , 59 , 60 ]. However, the hours “lost” in this process could be crucial in preventing an unwanted pregnancy.…”

The current status of emergency contraception use in reproductive-aged Korean women: a population-based internet survey

“…Therefore, we did not have detailed information regarding demographics or history of marriage, sexual health and contraception related to EC use. Additionally, adolescents, who may use EC with less guidance and more misunderstandings ( 26 , 27 ), were not included.…”