Examining the Effect of Health Communication Problems on Healthcare System Distrust: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study investigates the impact of communication problems between patients and healthcare professionals on distrust in the healthcare system, as inpatients perceive. Methods: The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study, and criterion sampling was used to select participants. The study sample comprised individuals aged 18-65 who had received treatment and care services in the inpatient units of a Training and Research Hospital in Türkiye at least once in the past year. Data were collected using the “Individual Identification Information Form,” the “Health Communication Problems Scale,” and the “Healthcare System Distrust Scale.” Results: Patients' perceptions of health communication problems were measured at an average level of X̅=2.59±0.71, while their perceptions of distrust towards the healthcare system averaged X̅=2.75±0.74. Additionally, health communication problems accounted for 19% of the variance in explaining distrust in the healthcare system (R=0.43; R2=0.19). Conclusion: The findings indicate that inpatients experienced relatively low communication problems with healthcare professionals and held moderate levels of distrust towards the healthcare system. The research concluded that health communication problems positively impact distrust in the healthcare system.