Public-private divide: cultural and social factors in women's attitudes toward cord blood banking in Jordan.

Abstract

Private cord blood (CB) banking is more widespread than public banking in Jordan, contributing to misinformation and unequal access to resources. This study elucidates unique perspectives of women in Jordan toward CB banking for the purpose of national and international policymaking, ethics, and education. The authors developed and disseminated a questionnaire to women in maternity outpatient clinic waiting rooms in five different hospitals in Jordan. A total of 899 surveys were collected with 100% return rate: 464 surveys from private hospitals and 435 from public ones. Data were reported as frequency distributions, chi-square and Fisher's exact test statistics, and odds ratios. Patient demographics, self-reported knowledge, and opinions about CB banking differed significantly between women at private versus public hospitals. Women at private hospitals had higher levels of awareness and communication with a health care professional about CB banking, which is associated with more positive viewpoints on CB banking and a self-reported higher likelihood of participating in CB banking in the future. Furthermore, religious approval and father-only consent for CB banking must be considered as unique factors in CB storage in Jordan. This analysis aids in identifying discrepancies in knowledge, resources, and communication, as well as unique population preferences. Comprehensive culturally attuned educational campaigns for patients and physicians should be a national priority to ensure ethical practice, informed decision making, and sustainable programs before the opening of Jordan's first public CB bank in 2017.