The Effects of Patients’ Health Information Behaviors on Shared Decision-Making: Evaluating the Role of Patients’ Trust in Physicians

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The availability of accessible health information outside of traditional healthcare settings has transformed patient engagement in shared decision-making (SDM) with healthcare providers. However, the challenge of navigating misinformation complicates SDM, highlighting the critical role of trust, especially when patient-achieved information conflicts with professional advice. This study examines the association between patients' health information behavior (HIB) and SDM, emphasizing the role of patients' trust in healthcare providers. <b>Methods</b>: Utilizing data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), this research explores how trust mediates the relationship between HIB and SDM. We conducted factor analysis, mediation analysis, and moderated mediation analysis to assess our hypotheses. <b>Results</b>: Factor analysis identified two main HIB dimensions: emotional responses and utilization of social media. Emotional responses positively influenced SDM, enhancing trust and decision-making involvement. In contrast, utilization of social media negatively influenced SDM through decreased trust. Mediation analysis confirmed trust in physicians as a crucial mediator, particularly when emotional responses foster trust and engagement. Moderated mediation showed that high healthcare quality amplified the positive mediation effects of trust, underscoring its role in effective SDM. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study highlights the significant role of trust in enhancing patient engagement in SDM through HIB. High perceived healthcare quality also strengthens trust, improving SDM outcomes. The study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between HIB, trust, and SDM, suggesting that enhancing patient-centered care requires fostering trusted patient-physician relationships.