Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Stem cell management is truly a primary bio-insurance for the well-being of babies- A study on Indian pregnant women

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Swati Chaudhary1 , Dr. Supriti Agrawal

Abstract

Background: In recent years, Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been shown in developed countries to have an increasingly important impact on their health status worldwide. The NCDs are the world's leading cause of death and a significant threat to public health in developing countries. Almost 71 per cent of deaths worldwide are individually responsible for non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic condition. Almost three-fourths patients with non-communicable diseases have died before the age of 70 and 82% of 16 million prematurely deaths are in small and average countries are due to NCDs as per the WHO report 2018. India is undergoing rapid transitions with increase in Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), that are resulting into significant rise in morbidity and mortality in Urban and rural populations.47% of the patients in India are bearing the treatment cost (Out of Pocket) themselves. Stem cell therapy is becoming the crucial line of treatment for these diseases. In fact, from last two decades, Stem cells derived from cord blood were used for treatment of blood disorders, immune systems and metabolic diseases as an alternative to bone marrow transplants. In 2016, Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) control initiative was implemented by the Indian government to educate about the use of stem cells to treat non-communicable diseases. Doctors and biotech companies are helping to educate pregnant women to encourage the use of stem cells so they can decide to store their child's cord blood as needed for future use. Henceforth, this paper aims for understanding the attitude of Indian pregnant women for the storage and usage of stem cell that would be a critical bioinsurance for baby’s well –being. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire was constructed based on ABC model of attitude. The sample for the study comprised of 130 pregnant women associated with various gynecologist clinics and hospitals of Delhi-NCR. Results: The study found that out of the 130 participants, 20 subjects had never heard about the term stem cells and rest 110 participated were moderately aware about stem cells and had little knowledge about the same with majority of the participants having positive attitudes towards stem cell management. Changes in positive behavior towards a healthy life can be accomplished by diligent interaction with individuals or in a group. According to National Multi-sectored Action Plan for Prevention and Control of common NCDs (2017-2022) Non-communicable diseases are seriously affected by major health environmental factors, for example lifestyle, rapid growth, globalization, and the socio-economic conditions of human beings. Instead now, a secure environment must be provided for treating major diseases and maintaining a healthy life. Health professionals have been identified as the preferred information source for pregnant women about stem cell management. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that most pregnant women are positive about the process of stem cell management. This can also be encouraged via health professionals and stem cell management companies linked to different health centers. Many pregnant women were concerned about use of stem cells in the treatment of non-communicable diseases as the private sector is more involved in stem cells than the public sector. Barriers have to be overcome in order to improve stem cell management in India and the use of stem cells in treatment of NCD can only be encouraged.

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