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Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
ISSN: 1394-195X
Vol. 22, No. 4, 2015, pp. 23-31
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Bioline Code: mj15041
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol. 22, No. 4, 2015, pp. 23-31
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Knowledge and Attitude about Stem Cells and Their Application in Medicine among Nursing Students in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Lye, Jee Leng; Soon, Lean Keng; Wan Ahmad, Wan Amir Nizam & Tan, Suat Cheng
Abstract
Background: Stem cell research has been extensively explored worldwide to enhance
human health in medical setting. Nevertheless, there is currently no full understanding of the stem
cell knowledge and attitude levels among student nurses in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess the
level of stem cell knowledge, attitude toward stem cell application in medicine, and its association
with years of education, among Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) undergraduate nursing students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 88) was conducted using self-administered
questionnaire consisted of demographic information, stem cells knowledge and attitude statements.
Data was analysed using Statistical Package Social Software 20.0.
Results: The majority of participants (92%) had moderate knowledge score about stem
cells. Many students (33%) worried that stem cell application might cause a harm to humanity yet
had a positive (76.1%) attitude towards its therapeutic potential (45.5%). Poor correlation between
knowledge and attitude (r = 0.08) indicated that acceptance towards stem cell is not solely based on
the knowledge level but also on other factors including religion and culture.
Conclusion: Therefore, this study suggests that various educational programs on stem cell
should be implemented considering the religion, cultural, social, and behavioural determinants in
the population to improve stem cell knowledge and encourage a more positive attitude towards stem
cells in medicine among these nursing students.
Keywords
stem cells; knowledge; attitude; nursing student; Malaysia
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© Copyright 2015 - Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences Alternative site location: http://www.medic.usm.my/publication/mjms/
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