Using Statistical Methodology: Analyzing Perception and Readiness of Pharmacists to form Cooperative Societies in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

The pharmacists’ slogan reads “as men of honour we join hands.” This study was aimed at assessing the perception and readiness to forming/running cooperative societies from the perspectives of the pharmacists’ technical groups in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was adopted using a structured questionnaire was used to obtain data bordering on respondents’ socio-demographic status, perception of concept of cluster/cooperative groups alongside willingness to engage in such formation. A total of 156 respondents (male 61, 39 % and female 95, 61%) participated in the study. The distribution of technical group of respondents were community practice (CP) 65(42.0%), academia (AP) 20 (13.0%), industrial (IP) 25 (16.0%) and hospital practice (HP) 46(29.0%). Respondents who were currently part of a non-pharmacist-member group and pharmacist-member group were 31% and 2%, respectively. 99% of the Respondents agree that persons of same mind/interest should come together to achieve progress. A total of 35% of total respondents believe pharmacists have too many associations/groups already and it is burdensome adding more93% of total respondents were not aware of any pharmacists-only group around them while 75% of them believe forming such groups can empower pharmacists but 23% have a negative disposition to this notion. Respondents from CP had significantly favourable disposition to creating the cooperative group than IP (p=0.0.0001), AP (p=0.023), HP (p=0.019). Pharmacists in CP and AP are more ready to form cooperative society for common interest than their colleagues in other technical groups.