Knowledge, attitude and acceptance regarding bone marrow transplantation in caregivers of beta-thalassemia major patients

J Community Genet. 2024 Dec;15(6):673-679. doi: 10.1007/s12687-024-00739-2. Epub 2024 Oct 11.

Abstract

Objective: Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptance regarding Bone marrow transplantation in caregivers of beta-thalassemia major patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of pediatric patients with betathalassemia major in blood transfusion centres in Bangalore, India. Their knowledge, attitude, and acceptance regarding bone marrow transplantation were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The study aimed to identify factors that influence caregivers' decision about bone marrow transplantation.

Results: The knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of the caregivers towards bone marrow transplantation are shown to depend on gender, education and socio-economic status. The results of this study reveal that male caregivers generally exhibited higher levels of knowledge and had a better attitude towards it as compared to their female counterparts. Higher education and socio-economic status were associated with better knowledge, more favourable attitudes and a higher acceptance towards the procedure.

Keywords: Blood transfusion; Bone marrow transplantation; Pediatric anemia; Thalassemia.