RESEARCH ARTICLE: Pharmacy students’ perceptions and attitudes towards professionalism on social media: A cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Mansour Almetwazi College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4768-1838
  • Ghaida Alahmari College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
  • Nada Alnahdi King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University-Medical City, Saudi Arabia
  • Fatemah Aljamil College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammad Aljawadi College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
  • Abdulaziz Alhossan College of Pharmacy, King Saud University & King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University-Medical City, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.222229

Keywords:

Gender, Programme years, Pharmacy, Professionalism, Social media

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to determine the perceptions and attitudes toward social media professionalism among pharmacy students according to gender and program year.   

Methods: An online survey was sent to pharmacy students. The survey contained two sections: a demographics section, and assessment of attitudes toward professionalism and accountability in using social media.    

Results: About 30% of female students disagreed on using social media for hiring decisions compared to 20% of male students. About 41% of female students agreed on the importance of editing social media profiles prior to applying for jobs, compared to 38% of male students. Male students (11%) agreed more than female students (4%) on taking pictures of others without their knowledge. Fifth-year students (85%) disagreed the most on posting descriptions of how to break school or job rules.   

Conclusion: Gender and program years have impacted the perceptions and attitudes toward social media professionalism.

Author Biographies

Mansour Almetwazi, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Ghaida Alahmari, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Nada Alnahdi, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University-Medical City, Saudi Arabia

Department of Pharmacy Services

Fatemah Aljamil, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Mohammad Aljawadi, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Abdulaziz Alhossan, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University & King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University-Medical City, Saudi Arabia

Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Department of Pharmacy Services

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Published

11-07-2021

How to Cite

Almetwazi, M., Alahmari, G. ., Alnahdi, N. ., Aljamil, F. ., Aljawadi, M. ., & Alhossan, A. . (2021). RESEARCH ARTICLE: Pharmacy students’ perceptions and attitudes towards professionalism on social media: A cross-sectional study. Pharmacy Education, 21, p. 222–229. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.222229

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Research Article