Evaluation of the Awareness and Approaches of People Between the Ages of 19-60 in a Rural Area of Antalya Province About Blood Stem Cell Donation and Bone Marrow Donation.

Purpose: While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is commonly associated with stem cell procedures in public discourse, "stem cell" remains a broad classification. More precise terminology such as "blood stem cell transplantation", "bone marrow transplantation", or "bone marrow stem cell transplantation" may better characterize hematopoietic stem cell procedures in both public and academic contexts. This study aimed to evaluate public comprehension of these specific terms and to assess awareness and attitudes toward stem cell donation, with particular focus on rural populations.

Materials and methods: The study recruited 250 participants aged 19-60 years from rural Aksu District, Antalya Province. Individuals with a history of stem cell transplantation, those with a first-degree relative with a history of stem cell transplantation, and healthcare professionals were excluded from the study. The participants were asked 11 questions about their approach to stem cell donation and their thoughts on the subject.

Results: Among the 250 participants, 51.6% (n=129) expressed willingness to become stem cell donors, whereas 48.4% (n=121) reported no willingness to be a donor. Interestingly, 95.6% (n=239) of the participants stated that they would like to know the identity of the person to whom they would be donating stem cells.

Conclusion: This study underscores the need to revisit current anonymity regulations in stem cell transplantation, particularly when both donor and recipient express a desire for mutual identification. Updating regulatory protocols and codes to facilitate information exchange in such cases might be better. Moreover, if the recipient may require further donations from the same donor, the donor should be consulted pre-transplantation about their willingness to provide further support. Their preferences should also be considered in the treatment approach when necessary.