Locations and characteristics of pharmacy deserts in the United States: a geospatial study

• DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae035
• Publication Date: 2024-03-14T22:58:16Z
• Authors: Rachel Wittenauer; Parth D Shah; Jennifer L Bacci; Andy Stergachis
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Research Article

Abstract Pharmacies are important health care access points, but no national map currently exists of where pharmacy deserts located. This cross-sectional study used address data and Census Bureau surveys to define at the census tract level in all 50 US states District Columbia. We also compared sociodemographic characteristics desert vs non-pharmacy communities. Nationally, 15.8 million (4.7%) people United States live deserts, spanning urban rural settings states. On average, communities that have a higher proportion who high school education or less, insurance, low self-reported English ability, an ambulatory disability, identify as racial ethnic minority. While, on pharmacies most accessible setting States, many still do not them. Further, living often marginalized groups historically faced structural barriers care. demonstrates need improve services advance equity.