A recent study conducted by the SPHERE Centre for Research Excellence at Monash University reveals that community pharmacies could significantly enhance access to contraception 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 from adolescents and pharmacists in improving sexual and reproductive health services.
Although Australia has seen a decline in the number of teen pregnancies in recent years, challenges remain. Research indicates that teenage pregnancy and parenthood are linked to higher risks of maternal mortality, morbidity, and negative impacts on education and employment. Dr Anisa Assifi, the lead author and a research fellow at SPHERE, emphasized the need for quality, adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to foster positive health outcomes.
Adolescents encounter unique barriers when accessing SRH services, including stigma, limited knowledge, and financial constraints. Dr Assifi pointed out that community pharmacies have the potential to serve as accessible alternatives, provided that pharmacists are adequately trained and supported to address the needs of young people.
“Many adolescents have limited health literacy compared to adults, which prolongs their access to necessary services,” Dr Assifi noted. “They often face providers who may not understand their specific needs or who may hold stigmatised views.”
The study is notable for being the first to specifically examine contraceptive and abortion care in community pharmacies for adolescents. Findings indicate that despite feelings of embarrassment and judgment, many young people view pharmacies as a convenient source for contraceptive services.
The researchers advocate for making health services more accessible and equitable for adolescents, underscoring the necessity of “friendly” health services. While pharmacists are generally seen as knowledgeable, their comfort and willingness to provide adolescent-specific care vary widely. Many pharmacists expressed a desire for further training in this area.
Dr Assifi stressed that the focus on community pharmacies should be viewed as a complementary option for SRH information and care, rather than a competing service to existing health providers. The study calls for standardised service delivery to mitigate misinformation and variability, expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice through appropriate support and regulation.
In conclusion, the findings suggest that community pharmacies can serve as a vital entry point into the health system for adolescents, provided they adopt a truly adolescent-friendly approach. As the study highlights, enhancing access to sexual and reproductive health services in community pharmacies could significantly improve health outcomes for young people.
