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Trust in the Healthcare System and Physicians in Croatia: A Survey of the General Population

Author

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  • Krunoslav Nikodem

    (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Marko Ćurković

    (School of Medicine, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, University of Zagreb, Bolnička Cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Ana Borovečki

    (Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

Trust in healthcare systems and physicians is considered important for the delivery of good healthcare. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random three-stage sample of the general population of Croatia (N = 1230), stratified by regions. Of respondents, 58.7% displayed a high or very high level of trust in the healthcare system, 65.6% in physicians, and 78.3% in their family physician. Respondents’ views regarding patients’ roles in the discussion of treatment options, confidence in physicians’ expertise, and underlying motives of physicians were mixed. Respondents with a lower level of education, those with low monthly incomes, and those from smaller settlements had lower levels of trust in physicians and the healthcare system. Trust in other institutions, religiosity and religious beliefs, tolerance of personal choice, and experience of caring for the seriously ill and dying were predictors of trust in healthcare and physicians. Our findings suggest that levels of healthcare-related trust in Croatia are increasing in comparison with previous research, but need improvement. Levels of trust are lowest in populations that are most vulnerable and most in need of care and protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Krunoslav Nikodem & Marko Ćurković & Ana Borovečki, 2022. "Trust in the Healthcare System and Physicians in Croatia: A Survey of the General Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:993-:d:725967
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. John M Kelley & Gordon Kraft-Todd & Lidia Schapira & Joe Kossowsky & Helen Riess, 2014. "The Influence of the Patient-Clinician Relationship on Healthcare Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(4), pages 1-7, April.
    4. Radin, Dagmar, 2013. "Does corruption undermine trust in health care? Results from public opinion polls in Croatia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 46-53.
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