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Introduction

Dr. Karen B. Farris is a professor at the University of Michigan Pharmacy School and School of Public Health. She received her Bachelors of Science at the University of Tennessee, her Masters in Health Services Administration at the University of Memphis, and her Pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Farris lecturing at the University of Michigan Pharmacy School

Research

Funded by the private foundation called the Iowa Initiative Research Project, whose goal is to reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancies, Farris was part of one of the first research teams to discuss ways to promote use of contraceptives starting at the pharmacy level. With the goal being to raise awareness about local pharmacists being a great source of information and to boost contraceptive sales, Farris conducted a 30-month study of 55 pharmacies spanning 12 counties in Iowa to assess how education at the pharmacy level would impact contraceptive sales and consumer attitudes towards contraception.

Conclusions

When beginning the study, Farris was met with resistance. Few pharmacies were willing to cooperate, specifically the well-known chains like CVS, Wal-Mart and Kmart. Farris was told that the reason they didn’t want to participate was because they didn’t want to take a stand on the issue of contraceptives. However, she found that stigmas are not the only deterrent to people when trying to buy contraception. In the rural parts of Iowa where Farris researched, she said that there were not many pharmacies to choose from for their needs. Farris’ findings indicated that people in rural areas are less likely to receive care based on proximity and on the quality of pharmacy that is near them.