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Trust in Healthcare Providers Among American Indians in the Midwest

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  • Laura Porto-Roquett

    (Institute of Indigenous Studies, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
    Department of Community & Global Health, College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

  • Dasy Resendiz

    (Institute of Indigenous Studies, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
    Department of Community & Global Health, College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

  • Ryan Goeckner

    (Institute of Indigenous Studies, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

  • Joseph Pacheco

    (Institute of Indigenous Studies, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
    Department of Community & Global Health, College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

  • Sean M. Daley

    (Department of Community & Global Health, College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

  • Won S. Choi

    (Institute of Indigenous Studies, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
    Department of Population Health, College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

  • Christine Makosky Daley

    (Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, College of Health, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA)

Abstract

Prescription drug misuse disproportionately impacts American Indian communities, yet limited research explores how trust in healthcare settings affects behaviors related to prescription drug use. Using data from a 2017 cross-sectional survey of 781 American Indian adults in the Plains region, this study aims to examine the association between trust in health information provided by physicians and the misuse of prescribed medication, while identifying demographic and structural factors that influence trust levels. To assess trust, the study utilized a tool consisting of questions adapted from the Health Information National Trends (HINTS) survey, which asked respondents to rate how much they trust health and medical information from their doctors. Results showed that 29.3% of participants reported high trust in provider information. Trust was significantly higher among women, individuals with private insurance, and those with a personal healthcare provider. Notably, participants who misused prescription drugs reported significantly lower trust (30.0%) than those who did not (40.0%). The study concludes that while historical trauma influences mistrust, structural factors like continuity of care and regular provider access are vital. Improving patient–provider relationships may reduce medication misuse and associated risks like antibiotic resistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Porto-Roquett & Dasy Resendiz & Ryan Goeckner & Joseph Pacheco & Sean M. Daley & Won S. Choi & Christine Makosky Daley, 2026. "Trust in Healthcare Providers Among American Indians in the Midwest," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 23(3), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:23:y:2026:i:3:p:404-:d:1901029
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