Assessing Consumer Preference using Community Pharmacy Preference Evaluation Questionnaire (ComPETe): A Pilot Survey in a Malaysia City

Purpose: To assess the consumer preference for community pharmacy (CP) for filling prescription, and purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) and health products among customers frequenting eight departmental stores located in a Malaysian city.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Wakaf Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 400 respondents in the area were randomly selected to participate in the 14-item Community Pharmacy Preference Evaluation Questionnaire (ComPETe). The results were then subjected to data analysis.
Results: A total of 198 respondents returned the questionnaire but only 120 respondents completely filled in them. Majority of the respondents was between the age of 18 and 30 years (42.4 %), female (55.0 %) and married (66.7 %). Most of them (90.8 %) agreed that location is an important criterion for choosing a CP. About 62 and 56 % of the respondents went to the same preferred CP and at least once a month, respectively. Interestingly, customers with a monthly income of Conclusion: The respondents showed variability in their preference for CPs. The findings about consumer preference for CPs and health products should facilitate the process of launching a successful CP establishment.

Keywords
Consumer satisfaction; Community pharmacy preference; Prescription filling; Over-the-counter products; Financial management