Association of Entrepreneurial Traits With Interest in Becoming a Pharmacist Provider Among Student Pharmacists

Background: With the emerging opportunities for pharmacists to gain provider status, the need for understanding interest to become a pharmacist provider has never been greater. Objective: To determine which entrepreneurial traits (locus of control, innovativeness, autonomy, risk-taking propensity, proactiveness, achievement motivation, people liking, problem-solving, and leadership) are associated with interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among second- and third-year student pharmacists. Exploratory factor analysis (principal components with varimax rotation) was used to determine any underlying dimensions. Significant differences in interest in becoming a pharmacist provider by demographic and other characteristics were determined using t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA; P ≤.05). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the factors associated with interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. Results: A total of 137 completed questionnaires were received. Gender (P =.003) and preference of workplace (P <.001) were significantly associated with interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. All factor loadings were more than 0.50 and Cronbach alpha values were more than.68. In the multiple linear regression analysis model, proactiveness (P =.036) and achievement motivation (P =.018) were positive predictors of interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. Females (P =.006) and individuals who preferred to work in a hospital (P <.001) or in specialty care (P =.007) had a significantly greater interest in becoming a pharmacist provider. Conclusions: Proactiveness and achievement motivation can be predictors of interest in becoming a pharmacist provider.