Marie A Chisholm-Burns1, Christina A Spivey2, Justin Gatwood3, Adam Wiss3, Kenneth Hohmeier3, Steven R Erickson4. 1. University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville, TN. mchisho3@uthsc.edu. 2. University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, Memphis, TN. 3. University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, Nashville, TN. 4. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Results of a study to determine if disparities in drug pricing, pharmacy services, and community pharmacy access exist in a Tennessee county with a predominantly minority population are reported. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacies in Shelby County, a jurisdiction with a total population more than 60% composed of racial and ethnic minority groups, was conducted. Data collection included "out-of-pocket" (i.e., cash purchase) prices for generic levothyroxine, methylphenidate, and hydrocodone-acetaminophen; pharmacy hours of operation; availability of selected pharmacy services; and ZIP code-level data on demographics and crime risk. Analysis of variance, chi-square testing, correlational analysis, and data mapping were performed. RESULTS: Survey data were obtained from 90 pharmacies in 25 of the county's 33 residential ZIP code areas. Areas with fewer pharmacies per 10,000 residents tended to have a higher percentage of minority residents (p = 0.031). Methylphenidate pricing was typically lower in areas with lower employment rates (p = 0.027). Availability of home medication delivery service correlated with income level (p = 0.015), employment rate (p = 0.022), and crime risk (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: A survey of community pharmacies in Shelby County, Tennessee, found that areas with a high percentage of minority residents had lower pharmacy density than areas with a high percentage of white residents. Pharmacies located in communities with low average income levels, low employment rates, and high scores for personal crime risk were less likely to offer home medication delivery services.
PURPOSE: Results of a study to determine if disparities in drug pricing, pharmacy services, and community pharmacy access exist in a Tennessee county with a predominantly minority population are reported. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacies in Shelby County, a jurisdiction with a total population more than 60% composed of racial and ethnic minority groups, was conducted. Data collection included "out-of-pocket" (i.e., cash purchase) prices for generic levothyroxine, methylphenidate, and hydrocodone-acetaminophen; pharmacy hours of operation; availability of selected pharmacy services; and ZIP code-level data on demographics and crime risk. Analysis of variance, chi-square testing, correlational analysis, and data mapping were performed. RESULTS: Survey data were obtained from 90 pharmacies in 25 of the county's 33 residential ZIP code areas. Areas with fewer pharmacies per 10,000 residents tended to have a higher percentage of minority residents (p = 0.031). Methylphenidate pricing was typically lower in areas with lower employment rates (p = 0.027). Availability of home medication delivery service correlated with income level (p = 0.015), employment rate (p = 0.022), and crime risk (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: A survey of community pharmacies in Shelby County, Tennessee, found that areas with a high percentage of minority residents had lower pharmacy density than areas with a high percentage of white residents. Pharmacies located in communities with low average income levels, low employment rates, and high scores for personal crime risk were less likely to offer home medication delivery services.
Authors: Jennifer S Barber; Elizabeth Ela; Heather Gatny; Yasamin Kusunoki; Souhiela Fakih; Peter Batra; Karen Farris Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2019-02-20
Authors: Sean Oldak; Stephanie Ioannou; Priyanka Kamath; Marilyn Huang; Sophia George; Brian Slomovitz; Matthew Schlumbrecht Journal: Oncologist Date: 2019-04-05