Which traits predict interest in becoming a pharmacist provider among students?

For student pharmacists, interest in becoming a pharmacist provider can potentially be driven by such traits as proactiveness and achievement motivation, among others, suggests a study.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among second- and third-year student pharmacists to determine which entrepreneurial traits (locus of control, innovativeness, autonomy, risk-taking propensity, proactiveness, achievement motivation, people liking, problem-solving, and leadership) were associated with interest in becoming a pharmacist provider.

The investigators conducted an exploratory factor analysis (principal components with varimax rotation) to determine any underlying dimensions. T tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA; p≤0.05) were used to determine significant differences in interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. Finally, factors related to such interest was identified using multiple linear regression.

Overall, 137 questionnaires were completed. Gender (p=0.003) and preference of workplace (p<0.001) significantly correlated with interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. All factor loadings were >0.50 and Cronbach alpha values were >0.68.

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that proactiveness (p=0.036) and achievement motivation (p=0.018) positively predicted interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. Additionally, females (p=0.006) and individuals who preferred to work in a hospital (p<0.001) or in specialty care (p=0.007) had a significantly greater interest in becoming a provider.

“With the emerging opportunities for pharmacists to gain provider status, the need for understanding interest to become a pharmacist provider has never been greater,” the investigators said.