Perspectives on Prescribing Hormonal Contraception Among Rural New Mexicans

Perspectives on Prescribing Hormonal Contraception Among Rural New Mexicans

The goal of this study is to identify the thoughts and perceptions of pharmacy access to hormonal contraception among rural women and pharmacists. This will be key in order to address concerns or perceived barriers in order to inform the implementation of this program.

There are no studies examining New Mexico pharmacists' interest in prescribing hormonal contraceptives or rural New Mexican women's support for pharmacist prescribed hormonal contraceptives. However, some states where pharmacists already prescribe contraception have experienced difficulties in implementing the education, infrastructure, and financial support necessary to provide hormonal contraception in the community pharmacy setting. Nationwide, 68% of women reported that they would utilize pharmacist prescribed hormonal contraception and cited benefits such as convenient hours and locations of pharmacies. The goal of this study is to identify the thoughts and perceptions of pharmacy access to hormonal contraception among rural women and pharmacists. This will be key in order to address concerns or perceived barriers in order to inform the implementation of this program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pharmacists: actively employed and currently licensed and working in rural counties in New Mexico.
• Women: Reproductive age, 18-45 years old from rural counties in New Mexico and who are fluent in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pharmacists: decline to participate or work outside the defined rural areas, not currently employed or licensed.
• Women: younger than 18 or older than 45, living in urban areas (Albuquerque and Las Cruces).