Gender Bias and Perceptions of the Nursing Profession in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Patients and the General Population.

Background: The way the nursing profession is perceived plays a pivotal role in shaping the public's attitude toward its members, primarily influenced by interactions with nurses and media representation. However, it can be significantly impacted by historical and traditional stereotypes, coupled with enduring gender bias and other preconceived notions.

Objectives: The study aimed to examined how the title "nurse" reflects the profession's identity, perception as a female occupation, and status as a healthcare activity.