Pharmacists and health promotion: A study of thirteen variables

As part of a larger project aiming to increase the frequency, quality and nature of pharmacist-client interactions, this study sought to determine which variables, if any, were related to pharmacists' current participation in health promotion and disease prevention counseling activities. A stratified sample of 625 practising, community pharmacists in the province of British Columbia, Canada, were surveyed (response rate 83.6%). A five-point Likert scale measured their self-reported participation in 33 health promoting and disease preventing activities. Data were gathered on 13 independent variables hypothesized to be related to pharmacists' current participation in these activities. It was found that employment status, type of pharmacy practice, community size, geographic location of practice, socioeconomic status of the clientele served, pharmacist marital status, and pharmacists personal health behaviours were significantly related to pharmacists' participation in health promotion and disease prevention counseling activities. Although the study was exploratory in nature, it is suggested that programs aimed at enhancing the participation of pharmacists in health promotion and disease prevention activities may benefit if the above noted variables are integrated into plans.