Pharmacists' views about health promotion practices.

A mail survey was conducted among a sample of 1,115 Mississippi pharmacists. The survey instrument included 25 statements concerning personal health practices which the respondents were asked to rate, using a Likert scale, on their importance to the health of an average person. Only one item, "Avoidance of alcohol altogether," received a mean score in the unimportant range. The item rated highest was "Taking prescriptions exactly as prescribed." Paradoxical attitudes concerning cigarettes and vitamins are discussed.