Health information acquisition and lifestyle choices among cancer survivors in China: Examining the roles of patient-centered communication, patient trust, and system trust

Guided by the health information model and pathway model of health communication, this study investigates the relationship between different health information acquisition (seeking/scanning) and healthy lifestyle behaviors in a nationally representative, cross-sectional sample of cancer survivors ( N = 567) in China. A moderated mediation model was employed to explore the mediating roles of patient-centered communication (PCC) and patient trust in physicians in the relationship between health information acquisition and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The study also examined the moderating role of system trust. Results indicate that health information seeking and scanning positively correlate with healthy lifestyle behaviors (i.e. fruit and vegetable consumption) via PCC and patient trust. Moreover, system trust positively moderates the relationship between health information seeking and PCC. These findings contribute to health communication and psychology literature and highlight the importance of patient-centered care in managing self-health, especially within the Chinese healthcare context.