Assessment of Female Satisfaction with the Role of Male Community Pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Traditionally, females in Saudi Arabia are usually embarrassed to discuss feminine related issues with males, who are the only pharmacy services providers at community pharmacies in the Kingdom. With a lack of data present on the assessment of this facet, the current study was performed to know about the comfort among females while approaching male community pharmacist’s. Aim: To assess the level of satisfaction of female residents in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding services provided by male community pharmacists. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using non probability convenience sampling technique was conducted from 3rd January 2016 to 31st March 2016. A total of 1200 participants were approached in the public areas of Taif City for electronic and face to face interviews using a pre-validated questionnaire. Chi-square and Fisher’s-exact tests were used to analyse the data and all p-values of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 290 respondents (35.3%) were completely satisfied with male community pharmacists’ services; while (n= 415, 50.5%) participants were only satisfied to a certain extent. About (n=512, 63%) participants were embarrassed to discuss with male pharmacist about the sensitive women requirements. About (n=501, 61%) of the participants preferred the presence of female pharmacists at community pharmacies. Conclusion: Almost, two-thirds of the participants were satisfied at least to a certain extent from services provided by male community pharmacists. Decision makers in Saudi Arabia should consider the involvement of female pharmacy graduates in KSA to provide services at community pharmacies.

Keywords

• personal satisfaction
• pharmaceutical services
• pharmacy