Original Article

Year : 2022 | Volume : 10 | Issue : 2 | Page : 91-102

Perception of Politics and Voting Behaviour among Healthcare Students in Chennai: A Cross – Sectional Study

Vinita Mary A 1* , Kesavan R 2 , Abirami Vetriselvan 3 , Silambarasan R V 3 Narmadha Devi P 3 , Magdline A 3

1* Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 2 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 3 Junior Resident, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for Correspondence:

A. Vinita Mary, MDS, PhD,

Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Email-Id: viniebe@gmail.com Contact Number - +919486135017

Abstract

Background :

For the progress of a nation, active participation of healthcare professionals in decision making is important.

Aim :

To evaluate the political awareness and voting behavior among the students belonging to various streams of healthcare profession.

Materials and Method :

This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 381 students aged between 17-28 years from various Healthcare Educational Institutes in Chennai by means of a self-administered questionnaire comprising 20 questions.

Results :

On analysis, the mean knowledge score was found to be 4.189±1.45. The participants from the lower socio-economic class had a higher mean knowledge score of 4.38±1.72. The psychology of participants towards political participation revealed a disparaging opinion regarding the veracity and transparency of Indian political system.

Conclusion :

The true spirit of patriotism had been dampened over years with the false political propaganda due to widespread political illiteracy. Active socio-political participation from healthcare professionals can aid in the progress of the nation.

Keywords : Healthcare Leadership, Human Experience, Healthcare professional, Political Awareness, Political Factors, Voting Behavior, Young adults.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest

How to Cite this article :

A, V. M., R, K., Abirami Vetriselvan, Silambarasan R V, Narmadha Devi P, & Magdline A. (2022). Perception of Politics and Voting Behaviour among Healthcare Students in Chennai: A Cross – Sectional Study: Original Article. International Journal of Community Dentistry, 10(2), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.56501/intjcommunitydent.v10i2.715