Evaluation of Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Attitude Toward Banking of Stem Cells from the Umbilical Cord Blood Before and After Counseling

Background: Nowadays the collection of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood is one of the most important topics of health sciences. Pregnant women need to understand or at the very least know about stem cells researches so they can preserve their babies' future health. Purpose: This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the pregnant women's knowledge and attitude toward banking of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood before and after counseling. Methods: Research Design: A quasi-experimental design (with pre and post test). Tools: Three instruments were used throughout the course of this study: (I) interviewing questionnaire, (II) women's knowledge assessment sheet and (III) women's attitude scale. Main results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between knowledge and attitude scores at the pre and post test. Conclusion: both study hypotheses were accepted. Pregnant women's score of knowledge about banking of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood was increased after counseling as compared to before. Pregnant women's score of attitude about banking of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood was increased after counseling as compared to before. Recommendations: The current study can be replicated on a larger sample and on a national base in country to serve as a base for antenatal educational program to raise women's awareness about cord blood banking. The current studied topic should be included in the antenatal education at the third trimester of pregnancy. The study booklet can be handed to women during their antenatal visits. In-service training programs about new trends in nursing care and practices must be developed to enhance nurses' knowledge so become able to properly counsel pregnant women. Keywords: knowledge, attitude, stem cells banking and umbilical cord blood and counseling