Attitudes of women and pharmacists on the opportunity to obtain a progestogen-only pill over the counter - Italian outcomes.

PURPOSE: Scrutinizing, among potential providers and users, the perceived claim and interest for over the counter (OTC) accessibility of a progestogen-only pill (POP). METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive study based on an online survey of 1000 women and 100 pharmacists in Italy, part of a larger sample including Germany and Spain. RESULTS: Hormonal contraceptive methods are used by 35%; 5% of women reported currently not using contraception, 40% using a barrier method, and 20% a method considered less effective than male condoms (including 16% withdrawal and 4% natural methods and fertility/contraceptive applications). Almost 80% of women felt knowledgeable about the different contraceptive method, but about 1/3 had experienced difficulty accessing their oral contraceptive (OC) in the past two years. Women reacted positively to the proposition of an OTC-POP and 85% agreed that they would discuss the decision to buy it with their doctor; 75% reported they would continue to see their doctor for other reproductive health issues, including screening. The most frequent barrier is cost (reported by 25-33% of women) followed by long waiting times for doctor appointments and lack of personal time to schedule an appointment.Pharmacists (66%) would be likely/fairly likely to recommend the POP after appropriate training, agreeing that the benefits of an OTC-POP included improved access for women, saving them time and giving them more independence. CONCLUSIONS: Potential users of contraception in Italy have a positive attitude toward OTC-POP, with doctors continuing to have a relevant role. Following training, pharmacists are also positive.

The views of women and pharmacists on the desirability of a progestogen-only pill over the counter. Results of a survey in Germany, Italy and Spain.

PURPOSE: To explore the perceived need and enthusiasm for over the counter (OTC) progestogen-only pills (POP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey of 1000 sexually active women (16-45) and 100 pharmacists in Germany, Italy and Spain. RESULTS: Despite not wanting to conceive, 5-6% of women in each country were not using contraception and 8-20% were using methods less effective than condoms. At least 74% of respondents felt knowledgeable about the different contraceptives available but at least 1/3 had experienced difficulty accessing oral contraceptive (OCs) in the past two years. The cost of contraceptives, the need to see a doctor and long waits for appointments were cited as barriers for not using OCs. The majority agreed they would discuss with their doctor the decision to buy the POP, consult about side effects and other reproductive health issues. Over 2/3 of pharmacists in each country would be very, or fairly, likely to recommend the POP, agreeing that the benefits included improved access for women, and offered them more independence. CONCLUSIONS: Asked directly, women in Germany, Spain and Italy currently using contraception are positive about a POP OTC. Pharmacists are also positive, with the overwhelming majority in favour of providing POPs.