International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences (Jan 2023)
Improving awareness among health science college students regarding stem cell transplantation and donation willingness
Abstract
Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) is a lifesaving treatment for many pediatric patients, but still there is a shortage in the number of stem cell donors in the Arab world. Improve health science students' knowledge and attitude about donation behaviour will positively help in the increase in the number of stem cell donors. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of implementing an educational module on improving awareness among health science college students regarding hematopoietic stem cells transplantation and donation willingness. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used on a convenience sample of all Saudi students (256) at the faculty of nursing and faculty of applied medical sciences affiliated to Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia (KSA). The researchers developed a self-administered electronic questionnaire that includes three parts. First: Demographic characteristics of the studied students; Second: Students’ knowledge about hematopoietic stem cells transplantation and willingness for donation; Third: Students’ attitude about hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the studied students' total mean score of knowledge level and attitude level regarding stem cell transplantation. Also, highly positive correlation between knowledge and attitude before and after the implantation of the educational module. Conclusion: The implementation of an educational module for the health college students had improved their knowledge and attitude regarding pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and donation willingness with a highly significant positive correlation between their knowledge level and attitude. Recommendations: This study recommended the addition of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation topic to health college students’ curriculum for improving their knowledge.
