Exploring associations between trust in doctors and the likelihood of accessing healthcare for anxiety, depression and menstrual problems

Background Anxiety, depression and menstrual problems are conditions that significantly impact an individual's health and wellbeing yet, barriers to healthcare can prevent access to appropriate medical care. Trust in doctors is a notable factor as previous studies have shown that it affects engagement with healthcare services and has declined in recent years. Methods Using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we investigated associations between trust in doctors and healthcare access at two timepoints, for anxiety, depression (mothers and partners) and menstrual problems (mothers only). Results Mothers reporting greater trust in doctors were more likely to access care for anxiety (n=1849, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.08-1.14), depression (n=2411, AOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.12), and menstrual problems (n=1723, AOR 1.04 95% CI 1.01-1.06). If mothers and partners endorsed 'the doctor is always helpful', they were more likely to access care for depression (mothers: n=2005, AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16-1.46; partners: n=580, AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.05-2.03) and for anxiety (mothers: n=1892, AOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.54; partners: n=734, AOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02-1.91). Implications This study supports association between trust in doctors and healthcare access for anxiety, depression and menstrual problems, particularly amongst mothers. This contributes to previous literature that suggests that trust remains an important factor in understanding treatment gaps, and that researchers and clinicians must work to improve public trust in healthcare systems.