Attitudes of Batswana towards Stem Cell Technology as an Alternative Therapy in Botswana

Botswana is lagging behind in active participation in stem cell research. The research is yet to take off in the country. In order for stem cell research to be established in Botswana, the people of the country have to accept the research as affording a viable therapy alternative to conventional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate and analyse attitudes of the people of Botswana towards the establishment of stem cell research in Botswana. A survey study was conducted to examine public opinion towards stem cell research in Botswana. The study was conducted in Gaborone through the distribution of survey questionnaires. A total of 107 responses were received from these surveys. It was found out that most of the respondents favoured stem cell research. Thirty-nine percent (39 %) (n = 42) approved the indiscriminate use of embryonic stem cells while 42 % (n = 45) approved the use of these cells under specific circumstances. Only 19 % (n = 20) were against the use of embryo-derived stem cells regardless of any prevailing circumstances. The benefits of the research far outweighed moral ethics which was the reason for the support of the research. Moreover, some people with strong religious convictions showed support for the research as it offers great benefits. This study is important because regulatory policies and legislation governing the research cannot be established without considering public opinion.