Attitudes and Awareness toward Cosmetic Surgery among Students at the Catholic University of Croatia

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 influence. 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 official 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% ofrespondents stated that cosmetic surgery would negatively affect their relationships. However, 46% believed that others’ opinions of them would change if they underwentsuch 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 identified as the primary source of information. Significant 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 influenced by gender, religious beliefs, and social factors, with social media playing a central role in shaping attitudes toward cosmetic procedures.