International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 7s, 2026

Determinants of Levonorgestrel Pill Purchases: Offline Pharmacies vs. Online Quick Commerce in Urban India

Dr. Chitranka K 1, Prof. Dr. Bala Shanmugan 2

1Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Jesselton University College, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Email: chithrank.kashimata888@gmail.com

2Emeritus Professor, Jesselton University College, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT

This paper examines the psychological determinants influencing Levonorgestrel pill (emergency contraceptive pill, ECP) purchase intentions between traditional offline pharmacies and quick commerce platforms among urban Indian consumers aged 18-35. Drawing on integrated UTAUT2, stigma theory, and Theory of Planned Behavior frameworks, it tests two hypotheses: (H1) anticipated stigma and shyness negatively predict offline intentions more strongly for women, and (H2) perceived anonymity/privacy in quick commerce positively predicts online intentions, mediating offline barriers without gender differences.

Keywords: Levonorgestrel, emergency contraception, online pharmacy, quick commerce, consumer behavior, urban India, reproductive health.

How to cite this article: Chitranka K, Shanmugan B. Determinants of levonorgestrel pill purchases: offline pharmacies vs. online quick commerce in urban India. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 476-484; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.52

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None