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

Abstract

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