Comparison of Knowledge About Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Relation to Gender Among Healthcare Professionals and in the General Population.

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived by reprogramming adult somatic cells using a forced expression of four specific transcription factors in a highly controlled artificial environment. The aim of this paper is to examine the knowledge about these cells of the general population and the population of health workers in relationto gender. The research was designed as a cohort study conducted with a validated questionnaire to assessknowledge about iPSCs. Respondents were people over 18 years of age on the territory of the cities of Belgrade and Kragujevac in Serbia. The study surveyed a total of 1,047 respondents, 560 (53.5%) women and 487 (46.5%) men. Statistically significant differences were observed for both genders. Women from both populations were better informed, more often agreed to treatment with iPSCs, more often supported further research, and were willing to takefurther education about iPSCs. Comparing men and women from both populations, we found that men and women health workersshowed greater knowledge compared to the general population. Level of knowledge and attitudes of the public can have multiple effects on further research emphasizing the importance of the support of public opinion about this type of treatment.