Research self-efficacy in early-career pharmacists: Tool validation and correlation with personal attributes

Introduction: Self-efficacy in research and personal characteristics of pharmacists are necessary to lead and implement pharmaceutical research strategies. This study primarily aimed to confirm the validity of the Research Self-Efficacy Scale (RSES) among early-career pharmacists; a secondary objective was to assess participants' perspectives on research self-efficacy while considering personal characteristics, such as strategic thinking and leadership. Methods: Using an exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency measure, the RSES scale validity and reliability were assessed among Lebanese early-career pharmacists. Its association with personal attributes, such as global self-efficacy, leadership, and strategic thinking, was also assessed through correlation with validated measures. Results: The RSES scale was found to be valid and reliable. Pharmacists from foreign universities scored higher on the RSES compared to their counterparts from Lebanese institutions. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between self-efficacy, generalized self-efficacy, and strategic thinking scores, while differences between universities and year of study did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the RSES is a valid and reliable tool for assessing research self-efficacy among early-career pharmacists in Lebanon. Several strategies could be implemented at the institutional and national levels to strengthen self-efficacy and cultivate a sustainable research environment. These include enhancing educational frameworks, integrating research opportunities, and fostering international collaborations. Future research using this validated scale will be instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of such interventions.