Woodman A, Elsafi MS, Zahrani EMA, Jebakumar AZ, Quiambao JV, Maawadh RM, Aldossary AM, Alsakatawi MJ, Alotaibi YF, Algamdi AA, Alfahad OA. A Multicenter Study to Determine Knowledge and Perceptions on Stem Cell Donation, Transplantation Among Saudi Medical Students.
Transplant Proc 2023;
55:2009-2015. [PMID:
37778929 DOI:
10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.08.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite significant contributions to stem cell research in Saudi Arabia, knowledge and awareness of stem cell research is the subject of ongoing studies with controversial findings, specifically among medical students. This was a cross-sectional study with 685 medical students aimed to explore their knowledge and attitudes in relation to stem cell research and transplantation.
METHODS
A validated survey exploring knowledge and attitudes in relation to stem cell research and transplantation was administered. The total knowledge, attitude, and age scores were presented through mean and SD RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that university students in the Eastern Province had an average 35.88 knowledge of stem cell research. In contrast, the attitudes were positive among the entire study sample, with a mean of 3.79 out of 5. Both men and women had significant knowledge about the definition of stem cells and adult stem cells, bone marrow, whether stem cells can be used for drug testing, and recommended stem cell treatment if available.
CONCLUSIONS
The medical curriculum needs to be refined and enriched with additional data on organ and stem cell donation. This can be further enriched with experimental evidence through additional training initiatives that will allow those with negative attitudes to re-evaluate their perceptions and provide accurate information to patients as future health care providers.
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