Publication

Abstract : Background : Stem cell research is one of the most important and at the time, the most controversial topics of science today. Blood stem cells have been used to treat certain cancer, blood and metabolic and immune disease.Methodology : The aim was to assess the knowledge and attitude of antenatal mothers about cord blood donation and to associate between knowledge score and selected demographic variables. It was a descriptive study conducted among 70 antenatal mothers at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. The sample selected by Non Probability convenience sampling technique and data collected by semi structured knowledge questionnaire including socio-demographic variables. Investigator developed five point Likert scale to assess the attitude of antenatal mothers regarding cord blood donation.Result: Majority of the antenatal mothers (61%) had poor knowledge, 29% of the mothers had average knowledge and only 10% of them had good knowledge regarding cord blood donation. The mean knowledge of antenatal mothers was 4.17 with a Standard Deviation of 1.802. Out of total subjects 41.4% mothers had positive attitude, 48.6% mothers had average attitude and 10% of the mothers had negative attitude towards cord blood donation. There was no significant association between knowledge score and selected demographic variables.Conclusion: From the study, investigator observed that antenatal mothers had very little knowledge regarding the concept of cord blood donation, one the other hand majority of them have average attitude to cord blood donation.