Physician Characteristics Associated with Trust in the Provider Among Emerging Adults with Menstrual Pain: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

Physician characteristics influence the physician–patient relationship and health outcomes, yet their impact on the physician–patient relationship and trust among emerging adults with menstrual pain remains unknown. In this study, judgments of trust related to physician sex assigned at birth, age, specialty, sexual orientation, and communication style were investigated using vignettes and open-ended questions. Following multilevel modeling and thematic analysis, greater trust in physicians was predicted by female sex assigned at birth, gynecological specialty, 2SLGBTQIA + identity, and effective communication. Interactions included female physicians with effective communication, male sex assigned at birth and 2SLGBTQIA + physicians, and physician–patient 2SLGBTQIA + concordance. Key themes included social identity, feeling heard, collaboration, symptom management, and cultivating expertise.