Abstract
In recent years, the discussion over OTC adoption of EC has highlighted problems such as the lack of knowledge among pharmacists and whether OTC adoption of EC can be stocked at pharmacies. However, there is no basis for this allegation. Therefore, we conducted two questionnaire surveys for pharmacists to determine whether they are hindrances to improved access to EC and to clarify their thoughts on the OTC adoption of EC. In both surveys, more than 60% of the respondents were in favor of OTC adoption. Moreover, in the second survey, a higher
percentage of respondents perceived themselves as having basic knowledge of EC. Among those opposed to OTC adoption, concerns about the lack of knowledge of pharmacists and ensuring customer privacy within the pharmacy premises were stronger in the second survey. It was hypothesized that the pharmacist factors that were pointed out in domestic discussions as hindrances to improved access to EC do not necessarily reflect the actual situation. This is because many respondents who believed they had basic knowledge of EC, were more concerned with ensuring privacy than inventory, and their perception of their own function may have influenced their decision to approve or disapprove of OTC adoption.
