Human Factors Influencing Trust in Healthcare Providers as Primary COVID-19 Information Sources Among Cancer Survivors: A Health Belief Model Analysis

Abstract

Due to Covid-19 rapid escalation at the global level, a growing body of misinformation sources became available to patients. However, patterns and determinants of consulting unreliable sources are not well understood. Using the Health Belief Model, this study investigates the impactors of trust in healthcare providers as the main source of Covid-19 information-seeking patterns. Methods This retrospective study used restricted data from the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS SEER), which collected information from January 11, 2021, to August 20, 2021. We used the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method for data analysis. Missing data were handled using a multiple imputations method. Results A total of 1234 cancer survivors were included in the study. The goodness of fit of the structural model indicated an acceptable and satisfactory fit. SEM analysis showed that the "perceived severity" and the "cues to action" did not affect the behavior of the cancer survivors. By contrast, perceived self-efficacy (β=0.088, P<0.001), benefits (β=0.009, P<0.001), barriers (β=-0.064, P=0.001), and susceptibility (β=-0.089, P<0.001) were predictors of the behavior. Conclusions The findings of our study provide important insights into the factors that affect cancer survivors' trust in doctors as the main source of Covid-19 Information. Our results suggest that patient-centered authentic, reliable, and accurate communication centered around the cancer survivors' needs should be adopted to ensure patients continue to trust their providers. The study also suggests that it remains important to support patients' self-efficacy to know how to handle critical situations and their trust in their abilities.

Keywords: Cancer, Cancer Survivor, Covid-19, Health Belief Model, Information Seeking, Misinformation, Pandemic, Trust

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007493