Which Personality Traits Among Student Pharmacists are Associated with Interest in Becoming a Pharmacist Provider?
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Purpose: Provider status for pharmacists is of growing interest in the profession. However, it is not clear which personality traits are associated with interest in becoming a pharmacist provider (IBPP) among student pharmacists. The main objective of this study is to identify which entrepreneurial personality traits are associated with IBPP among student pharmacists in the United States. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in second (P2) and third (P3) year student pharmacists in a convenience sample of six private and public pharmacy schools in the United States. All the personality traits (i.e. locus of control, innovativeness, autonomy, risk-taking propensity, pro-activeness, achievement motivation, people liking, problem solving, and leadership self-efficacy) were measured using previously validated scales. Four items were used to measure the level of IBPP among student pharmacists. Results: A total of 514 surveys of P2 and P3 students were analyzed. Multiple linear regression indicated a significant association between IBPP and autonomy (p< .01), risk-taking propensity (p< .01), and internal locus of control (p=.03). Furthermore, IBPP was significantly higher among females (p< .01), those 25 years of age and younger (p< .01), and those with at least a Bachelor's degree (p< .01). Conclusion: This study is the first study to evaluate IBPP among student pharmacists in the United States. Based on the findings, autonomy, risk-taking propensity, and internal locus of control are traits to determine in pharmacy school applicants that may increase the likelihood of student pharmacists becoming future pharmacist providers.