Predictors of Community Pharmacy Preference: A Logistic Regression Analysis of Consumers' Socioeconomic and Shopping Characteristics

Logistic regression analysis was used to relate consumer characteristics to the probability of selecting a traditional independent, a prescription-oriented, or a mass-merchandise pharmacy. Being younger and purchasing OTCs and non-health-related purchases at the same location were significant factors in the model to predict patronage of a mass-merchandise pharmacy. Residence in a more affluent neighborhood, a higher level of educational attainment, and older age were significant predictors in the model for traditional independents. Gender, insurance coverage, and number of prescriptions were not significant predictors. Further analysis found differences between patrons of two mass-merchandise subgroups; this supports the contention that consumers do not perceive mass-merchandise pharmacies to be a homogeneous group. Future research is needed to develop better models using other predictors of pharmacy preference, including attitudes and beliefs, and to explore alternative ways to categorize community pharm...