Knowledge and Attitude of Taif University Students on Stem Cell Banking
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
Majid Alhomrani1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA., 2Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abdulhakeem S. Alamri1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA., 2Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Walaa F. Alsanie1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA., 2Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Ashwag E. Alrobiey1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Raghad M. Asiri1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Shahad M. Alaseri1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Basmah K. Alghamdi1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Sara A. Almalki1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Osama Abdulaziz1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, SAUDI ARABIA.
Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq3Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Dariyah, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA.
Nagaraja Sreeharsha4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, SAUDI ARABIA., 5Department of Pharmaceutics, Vidya Siri College of Pharmacy, Off Sarjapura Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.
Background and Objectives: The awareness of university students is pivotal to the adaptation of new therapeutic technologies in combating illness and disorders. Stem cells are unique and effective in treating several pathological conditions. This study was an effort to determine the knowledge and attitude of Taif University students toward the banking of stem cells through the donation of umbilical cord blood (UCB). Materials and Methods: The study used a self-administered questionnaire that consisted of items on demographics, knowledge characteristics, and attitude towards banking of UCB as a source of stem cells for the purpose of achieving advanced therapeutic outcomes. The questionnaire was administered to only female students at Taif University during the academic year 2020-21. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were done using SPSSIBM 25 to analyze the data. Results: A total of 604 female students of Taif University responded to our questionnaire. Although most of the participants (70%) lacked sufficient knowledge (less than or equal to 2 out of 4), their attitudes were motivating, with more than 60% rated better than adequate (more than or equal to 3 out of 4). Many study participants have shown an interest in donating umbilical cord stem cells to treat other patients and for research purposes. Conclusion: Students with good knowledge of umbilical cord blood donation and those who are more educated showed a greater level of willingness to participate in banking and donation of stem cells. Therefore, raising awareness about stem cell banking and its importance among young undergraduates, especially female students, is imperative.
