A recent study by the SPHERE Centre for Research Excellence at Monash University highlights the potential for community pharmacies to significantly enhance access to contraception for adolescents. Published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, the research emphasizes the interest among both young people and pharmacists in expanding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services within these accessible settings.
The study, titled “Contraception and abortion information and care in community pharmacy for adolescents: a systematic review,” reveals that while adolescent pregnancy rates in Australia have declined, challenges still persist. Teen pregnancies correlate with increased risks of maternal mortality, health complications, and negative impacts on education and employment prospects.
Dr. Anisa Assifi, the lead author and a research fellow at SPHERE, pointed out that adolescents face distinct barriers when seeking SRH services. These include stigma, lack of knowledge, financial constraints, and restrictive regulatory frameworks. “Community pharmacies offer a promising, accessible alternative, but only if pharmacists are equipped and supported to meet adolescents’ needs,” Dr. Assifi stated.
The study underscores that many adolescents possess limited SRH knowledge and often have lower health literacy than adults. This lack of understanding can delay their access to vital services. Additionally, young people may encounter healthcare providers who lack awareness of their specific needs or who hold stigmatized views.
Dr. Assifi noted that this research is the first to concentrate specifically on contraceptive and abortion care for adolescents. Findings indicate that while young people may experience embarrassment or fear of judgment, they view community pharmacies as convenient and accessible sources for contraceptive services. The study calls for making these health services more equitable and welcoming for adolescents.
Pharmacists are generally perceived as knowledgeable, but their comfort and readiness to provide care tailored to adolescents vary widely. Many pharmacists themselves have expressed a need for additional training to better meet these needs. The research emphasizes that community pharmacy should complement existing health services rather than compete with them.
To improve access, the study advocates for standardized service delivery to minimize misinformation and variability. It also calls for expanding the pharmacists’ scope of practice, supported by appropriate regulations and training. Dr. Assifi concluded that community pharmacies could serve as a critical entry point into the health system for adolescents if they are made genuinely adolescent-friendly.
This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue about improving adolescent health services and highlights the essential role that community pharmacies can play in ensuring better health outcomes for young people.
