Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 11 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 171-180
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260320
Fundamental Awareness of Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells; Knowledge Attitude and Practice Among Female Healthcare Professionals in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Sowmiya Lakshmi P1, Dr. Sravani Chithra CH2, Dr. Sridevi V3, Dr. Sampath Kumari4, Sree Varsha M5, Divya V S6, Ibrahim Mohammed Essa Mazik7
1Third year MBBS Student, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
2Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
3Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
4Professor and Head of Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
5Third year MBBS Student, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
6Third year MBBS Student, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
7Third year MBBS Student, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai.
Corresponding Author: P Sowmiya Lakshmi
ABSTRACT
Background: Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) have emerged as a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells owing to their non-invasive collection, high proliferative capacity, and potential applications in regenerative medicine. Despite growing scientific interest, awareness and acceptance of MenSCs among healthcare professionals remain inadequately explored.
Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding menstrual blood-derived stem cells among female healthcare professionals in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 female healthcare professionals using a structured, validated, self-administered questionnaire available in English and Tamil. The questionnaire assessed knowledge (0–11 points), attitude (0–12 points), and practice (0–13 points) regarding MenSCs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and KAP outcomes. Associations between sociodemographic variables and KAP domains were evaluated using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Of the 400 participants, 58.3% demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding MenSCs, while only 55.3% had previously heard of menstrual blood-derived stem cells and 46.8% recognized their therapeutic applications. In contrast, 76.3% exhibited a positive attitude toward MenSC-based therapies, with most respondents supporting incorporation of MenSC-related education into healthcare curricula. Practice levels were notably poor, with 95.8% classified as having poor practices and only 1.5% reporting previous menstrual blood donation. Significant associations were observed between knowledge levels and age, educational qualification, professional department, family income, and area of residence (all p<0.001). Attitude and practice were also significantly associated with selected sociodemographic variables.
Conclusion: Female healthcare professionals demonstrated favorable attitudes despite limited knowledge and poor practices regarding MenSCs. Targeted educational interventions, curriculum enhancement, and improved awareness initiatives are warranted to bridge the knowledge–practice gap and promote informed acceptance of menstrual blood-derived stem cell applications in regenerative medicine.
Keywords: Menstruation; Stem Cells; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Regenerative Medicine; Reproductive Health.