Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.64332/ujbb.3.1.2
Attitudes and Awareness toward Cosmetic Surgery among Students at the Catholic University of Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ana Grubeša
; Faculty of Health Studies, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Terezija Gložinić
orcid.org/0000-0002-0219-756X
; Faculty of Health Studies, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Odilon-Gbènoukpo Singbo
orcid.org/0000-0002-2154-8935
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: Cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly
prominent aspect of contemporary healthcare and is
closely linked to the global beauty industry, where medical
procedures intersect with societal beauty standards and
media infl uence. Procedures are undertaken for a range
of reasons, from correcting congenital abnormalities to
enhancing appearance and reducing signs of ageing. Attitudes
toward cosmetic procedures are shaped by a combination of
sociodemographic, cultural, and religious factors.
Aim: To assess the attitudes and awareness of students at
the Catholic University of Croatia toward cosmetic surgery,
and to examine their main sources of information, as well
as differences according to selected sociodemographic
characteristics.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the
Catholic University of Croatia between March and April 2025.
Data was collected using an anonymous online questionnaire
distributed via offi cial university email addresses. The
questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics,
awareness, and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery.
Results: A total of 263 students participated. Most
respondents were familiar with cosmetic surgery (95%), but
only 35% reported a positive attitude toward it. Only 1.1% of
respondents stated that cosmetic surgery would negatively
affect their relationships. However, 46% believed that
others’ opinions of them would change if they underwent
such a procedure. Attitudes toward the social acceptability
of cosmetic surgery in Croatia were divided, and 46% of
respondents considered cosmetic surgery to be religiously
acceptable. Social media was identifi ed as the primary
source of information. Signifi cant differences were observed
according to sex, age, religiosity, and study type.
Conclusion: Although awareness of cosmetic surgery is high,
positive attitudes remain limited. Students’ perspectives are
infl uenced by gender, religious beliefs, and social factors,
with social media playing a central role in shaping attitudes
toward cosmetic procedures.
Keywords
cosmetic surgery; attitudes; awareness; students; social media; religious beliefs
Hrčak ID:
346985
URI
Publication date:
5.5.2026.
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