An Infodemic of Misinformation on Stem Cell Therapy Among the Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

In recent years, the industry of unproven stem cell-based therapies has been on the rise around the globe, putting patients at great risk of potential harm. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of the general public, including patients and/or their relatives, in Saudi Arabia on stem cell therapy and to assess the degree of willingness to try stem cell-based treatment options, should it be offered to them.MethodsA voluntary questionnaire of 16 questions was distributed randomly through social media outlets.ResultsIn the survey of this study, 2,030 individuals participated. A total of 1,292 (63.6%) stated that they would accept stem cell therapy or would recommend it to their friends and relatives. Alarmingly, 72.1% of participants were unaware that using unapproved stem cell-based treatments may lead to serious health complications including cancer. More than 20% believed that stem cell therapy is already approved for organ/tissue regeneration. Worryingly, 60.6% of the physicians and 56.4% of the medical students stated that they would recommend stem cell treatment for their patients.ConclusionsThere is a concerning spread of misinformation among the Saudi population, including physicians, regarding stem cell therapy. This calls for a targeted effort to raise awareness about the current status of stem cell treatment in the general public and among health care practitioners.

Public awareness and understanding of stem cell treatments available in Saudi Arabia and their trust in hospitals and research centers involved in stem cell research—a cross sectional study

“…Relatively younger individuals (18–24 years) were more knowledgeable about the uses of stem cells compared to individuals who belonged to older age groups (50 years and older). These findings are in agreement with our previous study ( 19 ), which suggested that the high knowledge levels of younger populations were due to their ability to access information on the internet, driven by learning curiosity coupled with evolving societal attitudes.…”

“…The awareness mean score for those attained high school or less was statistically significantly lower than those attained master or PhD degree [estimate −0.02; CI (−0.1, −0.04); p-value < 0.0001] (Table 2; Figure 3). Similarly in trust, support, participation, and confidence score, younger age group (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24), and (25-34) have statistically significantly higher mean score than age group 50 or > [estimate 0.99; CI (0.74, 1.24); p-value < 0.0001], [estimate 0.43; CI (0.22, 0.63); p-value < 0.0001] respectively (Table 3; Figure 3). The trust, support, participation, and confidence score for those attained high school or less was statistically significantly lower than those attained master's or PhD degree [estimate −0.42; CI (−0.62, −0.22); p-value < 0.0001] (Table 3; Figure 3).…”

“…The findings in this study were congruent with the findings of Eldesouky ( 30 ), who reported low awareness of the use of stem cells before an educational intervention. Additionally, Alfotawi and Almuraikhi ( 31 ) and Aboalola et al ( 19 ) reported low or moderate patient awareness levels about the detailed use of stem cells. These findings highlight a significant gap in public education efforts regarding regenerative medicine and the intricacies of stem cell therapies.…”

“…Moreover, a remarkable result showed that most of the population are requesting researchers to reach out to the society in order to help increase the level of awareness and facts of stem cells due to their high chance of them trying stem cell treatments (facial/ hair) or products that claim to contain stem cells ( 18 ). In our second study, published in 2022, we revealed a worrisome inclination and desire to try stem cell treatments among the citizens in Saudi Arabia, as well as a worrying ignorance and unawareness of the potential detrimental health effects of such unproven treatments ( 19 ). Therefore, our previous results emphasize the urgent need for educational initiatives that would enlighten the public on the most recent developments in the field of stem cell research.…”