Patient Perceptions of Disease Etiology and Preferred Therapy Type: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Clinical Hospital Center Split- location Križine

This research examines how patients with dermatological conditions perceive the causes of their illness and how these beliefs are related to their preferences regarding treatment. Patients’ perceptions of disease etiology play an important role in how they interpret symptoms, engage with healthcare providers, and adhere to recommended therapies. In clinical practice, mismatches between patients’ beliefs and medically recommended treatments may influence satisfaction with care and treatment compliance. The primary purpose of the study is to explore the extent to which patients attribute their skin disease to psychological factors, physical factors, or a combination of both, and how these attributions are associated with preferences for medical, psychological, or combined therapeutic approaches. In addition, the study aims to examine whether demographic characteristics (age, gender, and level of education) and clinical factors (type of dermatological diagnosis and disease duration) are related to different patterns of etiological beliefs and treatment preferences. The expected outcomes of the study include a descriptive overview of how patients with skin diseases conceptualize the causes of their condition and which types of treatment they consider most appropriate. It is anticipated that patients’ etiological beliefs will be meaningfully associated with their therapy preferences and that these beliefs may vary across demographic and clinical subgroups. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of patient perspectives in dermatological care and highlight the importance of considering patients’ beliefs when communicating about treatment options. Ultimately, the results may inform clinical practice by supporting more patient-centered communication and potentially improving treatment adherence and satisfaction.