A Model to Determine Effective Factors on Pharmacy Major Selection (A Case Study: Students of Zabol University of Medical Sciences)

Background: Annually, a large number of students tend to study pharmacy. Students enthusiastically begin their studies; however, they lose their tendency over time. This study addresses motives and effective factors on pharmacy major selection as well as factors which discourage students in continuing their field of study.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic study which recruited 120 pharmacy students of Zabol University of Medical Sciences randomly and period of this study was four months. This study was conducted in 2016 on 120 students in Zabol University of Medical Sciences and all the students with Personal satisfaction take part in this choose. Participants included 71 female and 49 male students; moreover, 107 students were single and 13 students were married. These students were native (66.7%) or non-native (33.3%).

Results: Data was collected by questionnaire measuring demographic variables and effective factors on major selection. The questionnaire was developed on a Likert scale. Subjects were asked to fill the questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using an independent t-test, Chi-square test and other relevant tests. Analysis of data showed a significant relationship between Pharm.D degree, social status and suitable income (P<0.05); these factors are the most important factors effective on pharmacy major selection. Moreover, the results showed that good career prospect was the most important factor in discouraging students to continue their major. This study found no significant relationship between native students (those born in the city of education) and discouragement. Moreover, Chi-square test showed no significant relationship between gender, marital status, parental education and maternal education and encouragement or discouragement (P>0.05). So As found by the relevant questionnaire, the most important factor which motivates students is good job prospect.

Discussion and Conclusion: according to findings, most students were satisfied with their major. People who selected pharmacy based on their personal interest still believed that they would achieve their predetermined goals. Thus, lack of attention to this problem will influence pharmacy profession in the near future.