A recent study by the SPHERE Centre for Research Excellence at Monash University reveals that community pharmacies could significantly improve access to contraception information and services for adolescents. Published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, the study titled “Contraception and abortion information and care in community pharmacy for adolescents: a systematic review” highlights both the interest of adolescents and community pharmacists in enhancing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
While Australia has seen a decline in adolescent pregnancies, challenges remain. Research indicates that teen pregnancy and parenthood are linked to higher risks of maternal mortality, morbidity, and adverse effects on education and employment. Dr Anisa Assifi, the lead author and a research fellow at SPHERE, emphasizes the necessity for quality, adolescent-friendly SRH services to promote positive health and socioeconomic outcomes.
Adolescents face unique hurdles when accessing these services, including stigma, limited knowledge, high out-of-pocket costs, and restrictive legislation. “Community pharmacies offer a promising, accessible alternative,” Dr Assifi states, “but only if pharmacists are equipped and supported to meet adolescents’ needs.” Many young individuals also struggle with low health literacy, which can delay their access to necessary services. At times, they encounter providers who may not understand their specific needs or hold stigmatized views.
This study is significant as it is the first to specifically focus on contraceptive and abortion care for adolescents, unlike previous reviews. The findings indicate that despite feelings of embarrassment and fear of judgment, many adolescents view community pharmacies as convenient and accessible sources for contraceptive services.
Barriers and Opportunities in Adolescent Care
The research underscores the importance of making health services more accessible and friendly for adolescents. Pharmacists are generally perceived as knowledgeable, yet their comfort and willingness to provide tailored care vary. Many pharmacists reported a need for additional training to better serve this demographic. Dr Assifi notes that the study’s focus on community pharmacies should not be viewed as competition with other healthcare providers but rather as a complementary option for delivering SRH information and care.
The study calls for standardized service delivery to minimize variability and misinformation. It advocates for expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice with appropriate support and regulation, along with further research on how pharmacies can enhance adolescent-centered care.
Dr Assifi concludes that community pharmacies can serve as a crucial entry point into the healthcare system for adolescents, provided they are made truly adolescent-friendly. By addressing these barriers and improving training, pharmacies can play a vital role in supporting the sexual and reproductive health needs of young individuals in Australia and beyond.
