Communication Tapestry: Health Literacy Mediates Public Trust in Physician Health Information in Pakistani Public Hospitals

Background/Objectives: This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing public trust in healthcare services provided by doctors in public hospitals in Pakistan. The objective is to examine the relationships between various determinants such as doctors' reputation and expertise, patient participation in decision-making, communication clarity, health literacy levels, and trust in prescribed medications to provide actionable insights for improving healthcare trust. Methods: A total of 550 patients from public hospitals were surveyed, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This approach enabled the identification of intricate relationships between the key factors influencing trust in healthcare services. Results: The findings indicate that patient participation in decision-making and transparent communication significantly enhance trust in prescribed medications. Additionally, health literacy emerged as a crucial factor, with higher levels of understanding leading to greater confidence in healthcare services. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of patient-centered care, clear communication strategies, and health literacy initiatives in strengthening public trust in healthcare systems. Practical recommendations are provided for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to collaboratively improve healthcare service delivery and foster public confidence.