Access to on-campus contraception on college and university campuses in North Carolina.
Journal
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
ISSN: 1544-3450
Titre abrégé: J Am Pharm Assoc (2003)
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101176252
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
14 Oct 2023
14 Oct 2023
Historique:
received:
15
07
2023
revised:
28
09
2023
accepted:
05
10
2023
pubmed:
17
10
2023
medline:
17
10
2023
entrez:
16
10
2023
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Unintended pregnancies occur more frequently in college students and negatively affect health outcomes and educational attainment. This study examined access to on-campus contraceptives at all 4-year colleges and universities in North Carolina (NC). This institutional review board-exempt study evaluated availability of on-campus contraceptives including condoms; hormonal contraceptives including pills, patches, and vaginal rings; medroxyprogesterone injections; implants; intrauterine devices; and emergency contraception via website review. Institutions were stratified by characteristics including size, location, type (e.g., public, private, religious affiliation, historically black colleges and universities, women's colleges), and presence of a student health pharmacy. Comparisons were made using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Fifty-four 4-year colleges and universities were identified. A plurality or the majority of schools were considered small (41%) and urban (48%) and had a religious affiliation (61%). Thirty-three percent of colleges and universities had an on-campus pharmacy. The most frequent contraceptives offered were condoms (43%), oral contraceptives (33%), and medroxyprogesterone injections (22%). Emergency contraception was available at approximately one-third of colleges and universities. Six percent of institutions provided a full range of contraceptive methods. Contraceptives were offered more frequently at large, public, urban institutions, whereas religious institutions and smaller institutions were less likely to offer contraceptives. Access to on-campus contraception for college students in NC is lacking, and the vast majority of institutions did not provide a full range of contraceptives. Policy measures, such as enhancing reproductive health services at student health centers or increasing contraception availability directly through pharmacies, are needed to improve access for college students.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE
Unintended pregnancies occur more frequently in college students and negatively affect health outcomes and educational attainment. This study examined access to on-campus contraceptives at all 4-year colleges and universities in North Carolina (NC).
METHODS
METHODS
This institutional review board-exempt study evaluated availability of on-campus contraceptives including condoms; hormonal contraceptives including pills, patches, and vaginal rings; medroxyprogesterone injections; implants; intrauterine devices; and emergency contraception via website review. Institutions were stratified by characteristics including size, location, type (e.g., public, private, religious affiliation, historically black colleges and universities, women's colleges), and presence of a student health pharmacy. Comparisons were made using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Fifty-four 4-year colleges and universities were identified. A plurality or the majority of schools were considered small (41%) and urban (48%) and had a religious affiliation (61%). Thirty-three percent of colleges and universities had an on-campus pharmacy. The most frequent contraceptives offered were condoms (43%), oral contraceptives (33%), and medroxyprogesterone injections (22%). Emergency contraception was available at approximately one-third of colleges and universities. Six percent of institutions provided a full range of contraceptive methods. Contraceptives were offered more frequently at large, public, urban institutions, whereas religious institutions and smaller institutions were less likely to offer contraceptives.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Access to on-campus contraception for college students in NC is lacking, and the vast majority of institutions did not provide a full range of contraceptives. Policy measures, such as enhancing reproductive health services at student health centers or increasing contraception availability directly through pharmacies, are needed to improve access for college students.
Identifiants
pubmed: 37844734
pii: S1544-3191(23)00315-1
doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.10.008
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2023 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Disclosure The authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest or financial relationships.