Pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes about stem cells and cord blood banking.
OBJECTIVE
This study was to determine pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes towards stem cells and cord blood banking in Istanbul, Turkey.


BACKGROUND
Stem cell research is one of the most important and, at the same time, the most controversial topics of science and technology today. Nurses need to understand stem cell research so they can enter the debate on this issue. They can become important sources of information in order to help parents understand the issues.


METHODS
This exploratory descriptive study was conducted in two antenatal outpatient clinics in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 334 pregnant women during routine prenatal visits. Data were collected in interviews by using an interview form developed by the researchers according to the literature. The form included demographic characteristics of participants and 20 questions about stem cells, storing cord blood and banking and 10 independent attitude statements.


RESULTS
The majority of the participants had a lack of knowledge about stem cells and cord blood banking and wanted more information. Before pregnancy, they received some information through the media (newspaper, Internet, television, etc.), but unintentionally. It was determined that they wanted information before becoming pregnant, more from their obstetrician but also from nurses and midwives. The majority also wanted to store their infants' cord blood and stated that they would be more likely to choose a public cord blood bank.


CONCLUSIONS
Those giving ante- and perinatal care need to offer accurate and scientific counselling services on this subject to parents who need to be informed.
Dinç
H
H
Department of Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing, Bakirkoy School of Health, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Sahin
N H
NH
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000458:organization & administration; D036101:Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D009042:Motivation; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000208:ethnology*; D011287:Prejudice; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey