Knowledge and attitude of maternity nurses regarding cord blood collection and stem cells: An educational intervention

Abstract

Background: Cord blood collection and stem cell research are the most important and controversial topics of science and technology today. Nurses need to understand stem cell research so they can enter the debate on this issue. Aim was to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on maternity nurses’ knowledge and attitude regarding cord blood collection and stem cells.

Method: Quasi-experimental design (pre and post intervention) was utilized. A total sample of 53 staff nurses were recruited in the study. The study was conducted at two settings; labour unit in obstetrics department at Benha University Hospital and Maternity Hospital at Zagazig University Hospital. Data were collected through two main tools: A structured interviewing questionnaire, and nurses’ attitude toward cord blood collection and stem cells.

Results: The results revealed that 88.7% of nurses had poor knowledge before intervention. However, 90.6% and 81.2% of them had good knowledge immediately and after three months of intervention respectively. As well as, only 1.9% of the studied nurses had positive attitude toward cord blood collection and stem cells before intervention. Meanwhile, immediately and after three months of intervention the positive attitude changed to 66.0% and 69.8% respectively.

Conclusion and recommendation: The implementation of an educational intervention was effective and significantly improved nurses’ knowledge and attitude towards cord blood collection and stem cells. The study recommended that adequately planned in-service training programs related to cord blood collection and stem cells must established to develop nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practices in order to fit newly developed concepts in care.