HIV status, trust in health care providers, and distrust in the health care system among Bronx women

Trust in health care providers and the health care system are essential. This study examined factors associated with trust in providers and distrust in the health care system among minority HIV-positive and -negative women. Interviews were conducted and laboratory tests performed with 102 women from the Women's Interagency HIV Study Bronx site. Interviews collected information about trust in providers, distrust in the system, substance use, mental health symptoms and medications, and sociodemographic characteristics. Many reported distrust of the health care system related to HIV, and most reported trust in their providers. On linear regression analyses, characteristics associated with distrust in the health care system included depressive symptoms (beta=0.48, p<0.05). Characteristics associated with trust in providers included HIV-positive status (beta=0.35, p<0.05), taking mental health medications (beta=0.39, p<0.05), and having a white provider (beta=0.36, p<0.05). Despite distrust in the health care system related to HIV, most reported high trust in their providers, with HIV-positive women trusting their providers more than HIV-negative women. Studies are needed to understand how trust in providers and the health care system is achieved and maintained, and how trust is correlated with HIV-related health outcomes.