Perceptions and practices of community pharmacists regarding emergency contraceptives in Jordan: A qualitative study

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative study examines the awareness, perceptions, and roles of Jordanian community pharmacists in providing emergency contraception. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from two major governorates, exploring their counseling practices, knowledge of emergency contraceptives, product differences, concerns, and views on patient requests. Findings show that pharmacists' decisions are influenced by societal stigma, legal constraints, and personal beliefs, with market trends also affecting dispensing practices. The gap was evident in how pharmacists were short on knowing the variety of different types and approaches to emergency contraception. Patient initiative in seeking information significantly mattered and influenced how pharmacists responded to such situations. Also, they reported ethical dilemmas when they handled these medications. Pharmacies in Jordan are so intertwined with community, where people sought to seek pharmacists’ help in almost every occasion, proving ever strongly how it makes a difference whether the space is safe and supportive or not, especially for reproductive health issues. Our study highlighted where do we fall short and the need to design programs that fill the gaps in knowledge, perception, and practice.