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Objective Access to effective contraceptives, including emergency contraception (EC), is critical to reducing unintended adolescent pregnancy. This study evaluates the accessibility of Ln-EC (levonorgestrel EC) for adolescents in Quebec community pharmacies. Methods We conducted an anonymous self-administered electronic survey of Quebec community pharmacists between June 1, 2016 and October 31, 2016. Pharmacists were asked about the availability of Ln-EC in their pharmacy, whether they prescribed Ln-EC, and their experience with adolescents who requested Ln-EC. Results Five hundred and ninety-one pharmacists responded, with representation from across the province. Ninety-five per cent had Ln-EC in stock. Most pharmacists (90%) reported being comfortable prescribing Ln-EC, though they were less comfortable prescribing to adolescents than to adults (*P<0.001). Pharmacists also reported that cost and confidentiality are barriers to accessing Ln-EC for some adolescents. Conclusions This study indicates that availability and pharmacist comfort are not likely to be barriers to Ln-EC use for adolescents. On the other hand, cost and/or confidentiality do represent a barrier for some adolescents. This study lays the groundwork for a national study examining the accessibility of EC for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Canadian contraceptive providers report many barriers to access to contraception, and perceive youth as particularly vulnerable to these barriers. This study explores Quebec youth's experience of obtaining contraception. Methods A convenience sample of Quebec youth (aged 14 to 21 years) participated in an online anonymous survey of their experiences obtaining contraception. Data were collected between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Results One hundred and five youth were eligible to participate. Of these, 95 had used at least one form of contraception. Twelve (13%) reported not being able to obtain their preferred method of contraception, with cost being the most common barrier (N=10). Eleven participants (12%) stopped using their preferred contraceptive method: cost was a factor in four cases, and difficulty with access to the clinic/prescription in seven. Youth who required confidential access experienced more difficulty obtaining contraception (P<0.01). Conclusion Despite benefitting from universal pharmacare and a network of youth sexual and reproductive health clinics, Quebec youth still experience barriers to obtaining and continuing their preferred contraceptive. Youth who desire confidential care are more likely to experience difficulty obtaining contraception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely access to effective contraception reduces the incidence of unintended pregnancy. Cost is a significant barrier to using contraception for youth in Canada. Many must pay out-of-pocket because they have no pharmaceutical insurance, their insurance does not cover the contraceptives they desire, or they wish to obtain contraceptives without their parents' knowledge. To address these barriers and reduce rates of unintended pregnancy, this statement recommends that all youth should have confidential access to contraception, at no cost, until the age of 25. The statement also recommends measures to help achieve this goal across Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'accès opportun à une contraception efficace réduit l'incidence de grossesses non désirées. Le coût est un obstacle important à la contraception chez les jeunes du Canada. Bon nombre doivent payer leur contraception de leur poche puisqu'ils n'ont pas d'assurance médicaments, que leur assurance ne rembourse pas les contraceptifs qu'ils souhaitent prendre ou qu'ils désirent se procurer des contraceptifs à l'insu de leurs parents. Pour corriger ces obstacles et réduire le taux de grossesses non désirées, le présent document de principes recommande que tous les jeunes aient accès à la contraception confidentiellement et sans frais jusqu'à l'âge de 25 ans et présente des mesures pour réaliser cet objectif partout au Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]