Patient Trust in Healthcare Professionals in Oman: Associations With Provider Listening, Consultation Preparedness, and Digital Engagement

Patient trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs) is essential for effective care delivery. This study examined factors associated with trust in HCPs in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, digital health engagement, self-management behaviours, and perceived provider communication. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults in Oman using items adapted from the Health Information National Trends Survey. Trust was dichotomised as always or usually versus sometimes or never. A participant-level Digital Engagement Index (DEI) was constructed by summing seven three-point items on willingness to share information electronically. Of 325 participants, 214 (65.8%) reported trust their HCPs. The DEI was internally consistent (Cronbach’s alpha 0.907) and unidimensional. In multivariable analysis, trust was significantly associated with: perceived careful listening (adjusted OR 10.02, 95%CI 3.24 to 30.99; P<0.001), taking a list of questions to consultations (adjusted OR 2.76, 95%CI 1.19 to 6.41; P=0.019) and the DEI (adjusted OR 1.09 per point, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.18; P=0.016). Findings reveal an emerging triad of trust, Provider listening, consultation preparedness and digital engagement, that jointly defines patient trust in HCPs within modern healthcare.