Job Satisfaction Among Pharmacists Graduating from a University in Northern Sweden: A Comparative Analysis

Job satisfaction plays a critical role in shaping professional outcomes, as it has been positively associated with enhanced performance and greater motivation. Conversely, insufficient job satisfaction may contribute to higher rates of staff turnover, professional burnout, and intentions to leave the profession. The objective was to investigate job satisfaction among pharmacists educated at Umeå University in Sweden over time and to explore factors affecting job satisfaction. A survey was distributed to pharmacy graduates who had completed web-based pharmacy programs at Umeå University between 2019 and 2023. Questions regarding job satisfaction and factors related to it were included. The response rate was 38%. The results were compared with results from a previous investigation (graduation years 2015-2018) to enable comparisons over time. Compared to findings from the previous survey, job satisfaction was lower in the present study (76.4% vs. 91.4%, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Both greater opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and the perception that the knowledge and skills gained during education are beneficial in the current job were associated with high job satisfaction (OR: 5.360; 95% CI: 1.896-15.156 and OR: 3.983; 95% CI: 1.255-12.642, respectively). Understanding factors contributing to job satisfaction can help employers improve retention and work environment.