A Dichotomy of Information-Seeking and Information-Trusting: Stem Cell Interventions and Children with...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Neuroscience
• Public health communication

Background:

• Parents of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face complex treatment decisions.
• Stem cell interventions are gaining attention for CP and ASD, but information quality varies significantly.
• Clinics offering stem cell treatments for profit complicate decision-making for parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate information-seeking behaviors and trust levels among parents considering stem cell interventions for children with CP or ASD.
• To understand the dichotomy between preferred information sources and trusted sources for stem cell health information.

Main Methods:

• Survey of parents who considered international stem cell interventions for children with CP or ASD.
• Analysis of participants' use and trust in various stem cell-related health information sources.

Main Results:

• The Internet was the most frequently used information source but was not highly trusted.
• Trusted sources included researchers, science journals, other parents of children with CP and ASD, and healthcare providers.
• A significant gap exists between where parents seek information and whom they trust.

Conclusions:

• Effective health science communication strategies are needed to bridge the gap between information-seeking and trusted sources.
• Innovative approaches are required to disseminate reliable stem cell information to parents of children with CP and ASD.
• Building trust through credible channels is crucial for informed decision-making regarding novel therapies.