Evaluation of knowledge on induced pluripotent stem cells among the general population and medical professionals

Abstract

Introduction. Induced pluripotent stem cells are ethically much more acceptable than embryonic stem cells. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the knowledge on these cells among the general population and medical professionals, because this may influence further research. Material and Methods. We conducted a survey to assess knowledge on induced pluripotent stem cells among the general population and medical workers. The inclusion criteria were age over 18 years and the ability to read and write in Serbian. The survey was conducted via email and printed materials using a validated questionnaire for evaluation of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards donation, storage, and application of induced pluripotent stem cells. The collected data were entered into an Excel database, and complete statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0. Results. The rate of correct answers among health workers ranged from 17.5% to 67.1%, and among the general population from 16.4% to 49.4%. The average number of correct answers per respondent in the population of health workers was 6, while in the general population it was 4, which is statistically significantly lower. Conclusion. The research results showed that healthcare workers have a higher level of knowledge on induced pluripotent stem cells than members of the general population, but the level of knowledge can be influenced by the level of education, availability of information, socioeconomic status, ideology, and conservative attitudes.