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Abstract

Objectives: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a life-saving treatment, but donor numbers are lacking in Turkey and elsewhere. Increased awareness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation among university students might help expand donation. We evaluated the effect of a brief targeted educational intervention on knowledge and attitudes about hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and donation among first-year university students in Turkey. Materials and Methods: There were 301 first-year university students (median age, 18 y) who volunteered: 163 medical students (54%) and 138 law students (46%). Before and after a brief lecture about hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, students answered a 5-item yes-or-no questionnaire regarding (1) knowledge about health benefits of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; (2) knowledge about stem cell banking and donation in Turkey; (3) knowledge about the transplantation procedure; (4) prior experience and/or willingness to donate blood; and (5) willingness to donate stem cells. Reasons for motivation to donate blood and/or stem cells were categorized. Results before and after the lecture were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The response rate was 100%. Significantly greater proportions of students had knowledge about hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and willingness to donate blood and stem cells after the lecture. There were no differences between medical and law students before the lecture. After the lecture, a significantly greater proportion of medical students indicated knowledge about health benefits of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, stem cell banking and donation in Turkey, and the transplantation procedure. Conclusions: Brief education about hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for university students can increase knowledge and awareness about hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cause more positive attitudes about stem cell donation.

Effect of Educational Program on Knowledge, Attitude, and Willingness of Nursing Students for Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Donation

“…In the post-tests, however, the knowledge of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. This is the same as the findings by Kaya et al [14], which reported that the knowledge and awareness of HSCT improved after the first-year HSCT students in medical school. Based on the findings of Kim and Ahn [15] and Kwok et al [18] that higher knowledge level leads to higher level of willingness for HSCD, it is expected that the promotion of knowledge about the benefit of HSC, diseases requiring HSCT, the HSCD registration procedure, and the procedure and methodologies of HSCT can also improve the willingness for HSCD.…”

“…This shows that the educational program for HSCD promotion was effective in improving the attitude toward HSCD. The HSCT education provided for medical students in the study by Kaya et al [14] led to more positive attitudes toward HSCD.…”

“…A study by Kaya et al [14] applied educational programs to improve knowledge and attitude of first-year students about HSCT and HSCD with a large effect size ( w ) of 0.65. While their study evaluated the effect on the willingness to donate stem cells immediately after a brief lecture, this study evaluated the effect on the subject’s donor registration for 12 weeks after the education program.…”

Global Overview of Response Rates in Patient and Health Care Professional Surveys in Surgery

“…In the lack of response, the items themselves are hugely important; shorter questions and surveys, engagement to the subject, personalization of the questionnaire, and yes/no questions will attribute to a higher response rate. 6 – 9 Survey mode, number and type of follow up, type of interviewee, and geographic variance also significantly impact response rate. 10 – 13 These measurable aspects of response rate comprise a considerable, but only a part, of the puzzle.…”

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Bioethical Lens

“…Providing accurate information and knowledge about stem cell donation remains a priority in increasing the number of donations. Recent studies have demonstrated that also educational and communicative efforts towards the medical community may be beneficial in the recruitment and retention of donor populations [61, 62]. The creation of a social and cultural atmosphere favouring the diffusion of correct and proper information regarding HSC donation is central in encouraging people to make a donation.…”