Perceptions of surgery in Nicaragua: A cross-sectional survey study within the surgery for the people project.

Barriers to medical care include lack of proper infrastructure and equipment; however, cultural barriers to care and poorly perceived quality of care, especially surgical care, can also negatively impact a patient's utilization of healthcare services. This study used patient-survey data from three unique municipalities in Nicaragua to examine pre-hospital barriers to care, including previous experience with healthcare, and how those experiences impact patient perceptions of surgery and care-seeking behavior. Surveys were administered in Siuna, Rosita, and Bonanza, Nicaragua between July 2019 and September 2020.