Institutional Trust and Public Service Access in Socially Marginalized Communities
Keywords:
Institutional Trust, Public Service Access, Socially marginalized communities, Governance, Social inclusionAbstract
Institutional Trust (IT) plays a crucial role in influencing citizens' willingness to access public services. Socially marginalized communities often face barriers that limit service accessibility, making trust in public institutions essential for equitable governance. This study examined the relationship between IT and Public Service Access (PSA) among socially marginalized communities. A quantitative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 80 adults from selected socially marginalized communities. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, a 10-item IT Scale, and a 10-item PSA Scale. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and study variables. Independent t-tests compared gender differences, while Pearson correlation and simple linear regression were performed to evaluate the relationship between IT and PSA. Participants reported moderate levels of IT and PSA. No significant gender differences were observed in either variable. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between IT and PSA. Regression analysis further identified IT as a significant predictor of PSA, indicating that higher trust in public institutions was associated with better accessibility and utilization of public services. IT significantly influences PSA among socially marginalized communities. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance may enhance trust, improve equitable access to essential services, and promote greater social inclusion. Policies aimed at fostering IT should be considered an important strategy for improving public service delivery and reducing disparities among marginalized populations.
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