Parents view on the awareness, knowledge and acceptance of stem cell banking as a future saver of life in metropolitan region

Abstract

Introduction - Society doesn't understand and accept anything easily. We gradually accept things, it's our
human nature. Similarly, stem cell banking is going to occur. Stem cell is the master cells of the human
body. Stem cells can become indefinitely unique cells of various kinds, such as blood cells, heart cells,
and other organ cells. Stem cell banking is a way of collecting and preserving stem cells that help to cure
a number of deadly diseases. Umbilical cord has become the world's leading source of stem cells; the
United State and Japan are using stem cells for the therapy of life - threatening diseases; umbilical cord
banking is considered a major global initiative. In India after two decade stem cell banking still a new
emerging idea because of lack of knowledge to the parents about stem cell. Stem cell Banking is
becoming increasing popular for expecting parents as a unique form of insurance since it provides them
the confirmation about their child’s safety and healthy future. Thus, this study is all about the awareness,
knowledge and acceptance of stem cell banking as a future saver of life in metropolitan region.
Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire was asked to the parents on the basics of their knowledge,
awareness and acceptance regarding stem cell banking. The sample for the study comprised of 140
parents associated with various gynecologist clinics and hospitals of Delhi-NCR.
Results: This study included 140 participants. Of 20 people has not been heard about stem cell banking,
and 10 are unaware of stem cell. Parental knowledge indicates that 84.5% are fully familiar with the
storage of umbilical cord, and 96.4% are aware of stem cell banking. The main source of parents'
knowledge on stem cell banking is gynecologist, along with internet and advertisement. The source of
information is highly significant to the parent’s awareness about stem cell banking. Perception of parents
are changed almost 45% feel this is crucial for treatment of major disease in the future. Now, parents are
interested in the stem cell banking but they need more information about the advantages and disadvantages about the stem cell banking. The perceptions are highly significant to the information
about umbilical storage.
Concluded- Therefore, It was concluded that parents have become more aware of stem cell banking over
the last five years, almost two decades, so that the understanding of stem cell banking is expanding
rapidly in metropolitan cities, which is very important for the growth of stem cell banking in India.
Increase parent’s involvement in stem cell banking to recognize parent’s doubts about stem cell banking.