Abstract

Introduction. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of self- renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of medical students regarding stem cell research at Delta State University, Abraka.


Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 384 medical students (193 males and 191 females) in their second and third years. The questionnaire included demographic data, knowledge assessment, and perception-based questions. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and the results were presented in simple frequency distribution and percentages. Results: About                48.4%   of                  respondents          demonstrated         a                        good understanding of stem cell research. A majority expressed interest in research related to stem cells, particularly umbilical cord blood stem cells. Notably, most participants acknowledged the disadvantages of embryonic stem cell transplantation, including the risk of tumor formation, while recognizing that stem cells could enhance the duration and quality of life for healthy individuals.


Conclusion: The findings indicate that medical students at Delta State University, Abraka possess moderate knowledge of stem cell research, coupled with a strong interest in further education on the topic