Perspectives on Emergency Contraceptive Pill Regulations: A Survey of Community Pharmacists from Chiba Prefecture Who Have Completed Training to Dispense Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Prescription

抄録

Aim: The aim of this study is to 1) assess community pharmacists’ perspectives on emergency contraceptive pill regulations in Japan, 2) to determine community pharmacists’ views on sale conditions, and 3) to identify potential problems from the pharmacists’ perspective when switching ECPs to OTC status. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 203 community pharmacists who have completed training to dispense ECPs on prescription in 125 pharmacies in Chiba prefecture, Japan. Results: 108 completed questionnaires were collected. Respondents who deemed the current ECP dispensing system inappropriate or rather inappropriate pointed out the insufficient doctors prescribing ECPs (97.4% vs 75.4%, p=0.003, χ² test), that too much time passes between intercourse and taking the ECP (100% vs 87%, p=0.004) and the high prices (79.5% vs 43.5%, p<0.001) more than those who answered otherwise (neutral, rather appropriate, appropriate or no answer). 94.4% (n=102) of all respondents agreed that ECPs should be available without prescription. Respondents who only conditionally agreed to the OTC sale worry that there are not enough pharmacists qualified to sell ECPs (78.6% vs 59.4%, p=0.044) and that efficient contraception would be used less (67.1% vs 37.5%, p=0.005), more than those who unconditionally agreed to the OTC sale. Conclusion: Most respondents agreed that ECPs should be available without prescription, which would improve fast access to ECPs. Implementing a subsidy system as a part of health insurance could relieve the economic burden of the customers.