A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Umbilical Blood Banking among the Antenatal Mothers Attending the Antenatal out Patient Department of St. Ann's Hospital, Vijayawada

Introduction Cord blood also known as placental and umbilical cord blood, is the left over blood present in the placenta and a section of umbilical cord after the birth of the baby and is rich in life saving stem cells. Compared to stem cells from the bone marrow and circulating blood, cord blood stem cells can be harvested easily without posing any risks to both mother and child. Materials and methods A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding umbilical cord blood banking among the antenatal mothers attending the antenatal outpatient department of St. Anns Hospital, Vijayawada, Krishna district, A. P. A total of 100 antenatal mothers attending the antenatal outpatient department were selected using simple random sampling technique. Structured Knowledge questionnaire and Likert 5 point attitude scale was used to collect the data. The responses are tabulated, organized, analyzed and interpreted by using descriptive and inferential statistics based on objectives of the study. Results Findings revealed that majority i. e. , 93 % of the sample had inadequate knowledge, 7 % had satisfactory knowledge and none of the antenatal mothers had adequate knowledge regarding umbilical cord blood banking. Majority i. e. , 81 % had favorable attitude, 14 % of them very favorable attitude, and only 5 % of the antenatal mothers had unfavorable attitude towards umbilical cord blood banking. Conclusion The data collected and the statistical analysis of it and the interpretations has clearly shown a knowledge deficit among the antenatal mothers regarding umbilical cord blood banking and the attitude towards it requires modification or change. There is a need to educate the antenatal mothers regarding the benefits of umbilical cord blood banking.