Qualitative insights into career perception of female community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia

Studies assessing the perspectives and job satisfaction of female community pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Saudia Arabia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate female pharmacists’ perception of working in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative, in depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and March 2022 with a convenience sample of female pharmacists working in community pharmacies. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and then thematically organized and analyzed using NVivo (QSR International) software. A total of 20 interviews were conducted and analyzed. Seventeen themes related to the perceptions of female pharmacists working in community pharmacies were identified and grouped into three main categories: (1) job satisfaction, (2) job benefits, and (3) job barriers and areas that need improvement. Participants reported overall moderate to high job satisfaction, attributing this to direct interaction with the community, exposure to diverse professional experiences, and opportunities to expand their knowledge. Additionally, community pharmacy practice was perceived as offering greater job stability and family-friendly working conditions. Despite these positive aspects, participants identified high workload, long working hours, limited opportunities for promotion, low salaries, and negative societal perceptions as major barriers to continuing work in community pharmacies. Participants also emphasized the need for enhanced training during both university education and employment, improved workplace security and availability of resources, and the provision of private work areas for female pharmacists. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of Saudization policies and increasing staffing levels to support sustainable community pharmacy practice. Moreover, there is a need for Saudization and an increase in the number of working staff. This research provides evidence-based identification of priority areas for improvement in the working conditions of female community pharmacists.