Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-29, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Baymot Bitew Bekele, Kelemework Gashinet Ferede, Abebaw Bires Adal, Addisu Gasheneit Ferede, Atsedemariam Andualem, Desalegn Yeshalem Mitiku, Aragaw Egziabherfenta Tadele, Asrat Yazew, Birhaneslasie Gebeyehu Yazew
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350498
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Trust in healthcare providers (HCPs) is crucial for increasing health-seeking behavior, strengthening patient-provider relationships, and improving clinical outcomes. While vital, research on patient trust in HCPs remains limited in the Ethiopian context. This study assessed the level of trust and its associated factors among hospitalized patient in Awi Zone public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 05 to September 30, 2024. The sampling frame consisted of all adult patients admitted to the medical, surgical, and gynecological wards of five public hospitals. A total of 621 participants were selected using simple random sampling from the daily admission logs. Data were collected via a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. EpiData 4.6 and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Logistic regressions were applied to identify factors associated with patient trust. Associations were considered significant at p value < 0.05.
Trust was measured using a validated scale, where “high trust” was operationally defined as a score $\ge$ 32 (based on the mean score of the study population). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with trust, with significance set at $p < 0.05$.
The study achieved a 96% response rate (n = 621). Overall, 47.3% of patients reported high trust in HCPs (95% CI: 43.4–51.4). Factors significantly associated with higher trust included: rural residence (AOR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.27–4.69), absence of comorbidity (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.15–2.65), not having health insurance (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.09–2.14), and a hospital stay of less than 29 days (AOR = 1.89; 1.12–3.20).
Fewer than half of hospitalized adults expressed high trust in HCPs. To bridge this gap, hospital management should implement mandatory patient-centered communication training for clinicians and establish dedicated support protocols for patients with chronic comorbidities. Furthermore, improving the transparency of insurance billing and discharge processes is essential for urban and long-term patients.
Introduction
Patients’ trust in healthcare providers (HCPs) refers to the willingness of patients to accept vulnerability with the expectation that HCPs and the health system will act in their best interest [1,2]. Trust is fundamental to effective healthcare delivery (HCD), influencing health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, continuity of care, overall health outcomes, and patient engagement in preventive services and public health interventions [3–9]. Globally, declining trust in healthcare systems (HCS) has been reported, driven by factors such as poor patient experiences, communication gaps, and systemic inefficiencies [10–13]. Structural changes in HCD, including increased specialization, technological dependence, and evolving financing models, have further contributed to weakening patient–provider relationships [14–16]. Additional factors such as high healthcare costs, unnecessary investigations, resource limitations, and negative media coverage have also been shown to undermine public trust in HCPs [17–20].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Baymot Bitew Bekele, Kelemework Gashinet Ferede, Abebaw Bires Adal, Addisu Gasheneit Ferede, Atsedemariam Andualem, Desalegn Yeshalem Mitiku, Aragaw Egziabherfenta Tadele, Asrat Yazew, Birhaneslasie Gebeyehu Yazew. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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