Purpose: The study examined the drivers of patient trust in public health facilities in Nigeria by investigating the relationships between service quality, patient satisfaction, and healthcare provider communication. The aim was to understand how these factors influence patients’ confidence in healthcare services and identify areas for improving service delivery.

Methodology/Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 400 patients across selected public health facilities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Reliability and validity tests ensured measurement consistency, while descriptive and correlation analyses provided preliminary insights into variable relationships.

Findings: The results revealed that patient satisfaction significantly influenced patient trust (β = 0.61, p < 0.01). Service quality positively affected patient satisfaction (β = 0.64, p < 0.01), and healthcare provider communication had a significant positive effect on patient trust (β = 0.58, p < 0.01). All hypothesized relationships were supported, highlighting the critical role of service experience and communication in shaping trust.

Implications: The study underscores the importance of improving service quality, enhancing provider-patient communication, and addressing patient expectations to foster trust in public health facilities. Policymakers and healthcare managers can use these insights to design patient-centered interventions and quality improvement strategies.