By
Lim Yoke Theng
COM4201
Issues in Mass Communication
Research paper
Faculty of Business, Communication and Law
INTI International University
Malaysia
MAY 2011
Stem cell awareness among Malaysians
Lim Yoke Theng
(angeline_fgc@hotmail.com)
Faculty of Business, Communication and Law
INTI International University
Malaysia
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to assess the awareness of stem cell harvesting among Malaysian.
Design/methodology/approach – The methodology approach implemented for this research paper is both quantitative and qualitative in nature. A structured questionnaire was administrated to 360 youths and young adults across Malaysia. The questionnaires were given to the Malaysian youths from different age groups, gender and religion. Evaluation from a number of literatures is used and conclusions are drawn based on qualitative analysis of the secondary research data.
Findings – The results of this research proves that the gender, race and family income has no direct relationship on stem cell harvesting awareness. It is surprisingly not a new term to the respondents. They are hardly gain deeper information regarding stem cell harvesting and its issue from newspaper as well as television. Although the respondents think that stem cell research is ethical, they are hardly to support scientists to harvest stem cell, however, they learnt the importance of storing stem cell and willing to pay for cryopreservation service for stem cell banking.
Practical implications – The results of the study lend support to the future of medical science in developing stem cells harvesting technology in Malaysia. Young couples going to form a household who age between 22-35 years old are the potential influence to the society to increase the awareness of this advance technology.
Keywords – Stem cell, Social Cognitive Theory, and Media Dependency Theory
Paper type – Research