Abstract

Info

Title:: Factors Influencing Hospital Trust: An Empirical Analysis Based onFixed Effects Model

Keywords:: hospital trust; rational choice and status resource; social capital of guanxi; social culture theory; dissemination-cultivation theory; fixed effect model

Abstract:: Trust is the core of doctor-patient relationship. Hospital trust is one of the important dimensionsof doctor-patient trust. Based on Giddens’ Social Theory of Modernity from four theoretical perspectivesincluding rational choice and status resources, relationship social capital, social culture, and disseminationcultivationtheory, this research explored the factors that influence hospital trust in urban China, by usingthe individual fixed effect model and“ social network and job search process” (JSNET 2014 & 2016) data. The study found:（ 1） income will not cause differences in individual hospital trust, but self-evaluation ofsocioeconomic status has a significant positive impact on the residents’ trust in hospitals;（ 2） receivingmedical service through guanxi will significantly reduce the level of hospital trust;（ 3） social generaltrust and sense of social justice have a positive impact on hospital trust;（ 4） media preference has noobvious effect on hospital trust. In general, the key to improving the hospital trust among urban residentsis the comprehensive ability to deal with unknown risks, and the reliable perception of macro system andorganizational principles.