Quantifying satisfaction among pharmacists working in Pharmaceutical Sales or Marketing and its inferential relationship with demographics: A Cross-Sectional analysis in Pakistan

Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Mar-Apr;37(2):450-455. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.2.3447.

Abstract

Objectives: To quantify satisfaction among pharmacists working in pharmaceutical sales or marketing in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists working in pharmaceutical sales and marketing during August to November, 2019. Satisfaction score of pharmacists was considered satisfied (Score > 2.5) and dissatisfied (Score < 2.5). The maximum and minimum satisfaction score was four and one for each question respectively.

Results: A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed and 200 were received back yielding a response rate of 80%. Male respondents dominated the cohort and were more satisfied (2.60 ± 0.47) as compared to females (2.31 ± 0.48) with majority were 18-30 years old and 78% had Pharm. D level of education (2.61 ± 0.47). The mean satisfaction score of participant is 2.51 with standard deviation of 0.49. The 53% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their salaries. The study dependent and independent variables are correlated with each other and significant results were seen between them. The factors associated with dissatisfaction are fear of losing job (2.19 ± 0.88), switch job (2.20 ± 0.77) and health condition (2.09 ± 0.89). Factors associated with satisfaction are positive attitude of doctor (2.91 ± 0.60), doctor consider respectful job holder (2.91 ± 0.61), enjoy work (3.01 ± 0.65), job by choice (3.12 ± 0.67) and progress in job (3.00 ± 0.74).

Conclusions: It was concluded that the respondents were dissatisfied due to number of issues including disturbance in their personal life, lack of promotion and incentives among study participants.

Keywords: Factors; Job satisfaction; Medical sales representative; Pharmaceutical marketing; Pharmacist.