• Sarb Sukhmani Kaur Dargan
• Rakesh Raman Patyar
• Mohamed Aidaroos
• Sazal Patyar
• -

To evaluate the awareness and attitude regarding umbilical cord stem cell banking among pregnant women. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire pretested by experts was prepared. The questionnaire consisted of 20 yes/no type questions, 3 short descriptive type questions, and 4 multiple type questions. Each set of questionnaire was accompanied by a consent proforma. The questionnaires were distributed among the pregnant women in one of the reputed Maternity hospital of the city. The data was collected from these pregnant women and it was followed by personal interaction with pregnant women by the investigator. The purpose was to appraise them about umbilical cord stem cell banking which may be a lifesaver for child and family. Pregnant women along with their family or relatives who visited the hospital were made aware regarding this. In this regard help from the doctors, nurses and the allied staff was taken in the general awareness campaign. Furthermore, the purpose was to enable them to take the right decision at the right time and for the right cause. Results: The data collected in the form of questionnaires were analyzed and it was found that uneducated people were generally unaware of umbilical cord stem cells or their banking. Moreover they were not interested to learn about it. Educated people had mixed responses and more than 50% of them did not have confidence in believing that the umbilical cord contains stem cells. 50% of the married men were not willing to pay the bank fees. Conclusion: Counseling of pregnant women regarding banking of stem cells is needed. It is important that pregnant women should be made aware of the potential of stem cells. There is also a need for educating husbands and other family members of pregnant women about umbilical cord stem cell banking because these people play a major role in reluctance shown by the pregnant women towards this matter. A major step by hospitals should be taken regarding counselling of pregnant women and creating awareness in them.

Umbilical Cord Stem Cells, Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Banking, Stem cells, Pregnant women, Counseling.

"Evaluation of Awareness and Attitude Regarding Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Banking Among Pregnant Women", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no.169-177, December 2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRDT06020.pdf

"Evaluation of Awareness and Attitude Regarding Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Banking Among Pregnant Women", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no. pp169-177, December 2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRDT06020.pdf