Knowledge, Attitude and awareness of Dental Students Towards Immersion of Ganesh Idols

Author Name : Dr. Merugu Bhavana, Dr. K.V.N.R. Pratap, Dr. T. Madhavi Padma, Dr. Siva Kalyan, Dr. V. Srujan Kumar

ABSTRACT

Background: Plaster of Paris made idols when immersed in a water body do actually pollute it. Idols made of Plaster of Paris do not dissolve easily in water. It also reduces the oxygen level in the water, killing the fish and other aquatic organisms. The paints used for decorating the idol contain heavy metals like mercury, chromium and lead. These chemicals in turn affect the water used for drinking where the idols are immersed. It is necessary to provide awareness and knowledge among people regarding its diagnosis to reduce the water pollution and also to use the Eco-Friendly Idols which do not disturb the Environment. This study mainly aims to define knowledge level and perception regarding idol immersion among dental students aging between 19 and 24 years in Mamata Dental College.

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness towards immersion of Ganesh Idols among undergraduate dental students.

Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate dental students (III, IV, House Surgeons) in Mamata Dental College & Hospital, Khammam, using a web-based tool called google forms, a semi-structural online questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students in order to get the responses. Descriptive statistics and Chi - Square test were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics Software Version – 29.0.0.0. A P – Value <0.05 was used to evaluate statistical significance.

Result: A total of 265 students took part with females (74%) and males (26%). Age of participants ranges from 19 – 24 years. IV Year (45%) students have responded more followed by III Year (29%) students and House Surgeons (26%). Detailed results and interpretations with respect to Gender wise and Year of Study wise in regards to their responses towards the immersion of Ganesh idols are explained below Table 3.

Conclusion: The study results suggest that the knowledge among students towards immersion of Ganesh idols is adequate. Attitude influenced the decision to adopt the Eco-Friendly Ganesh idols in order to protect environment from water pollution. The result suggest that students are aware of the causes and effects of immersion of POP Ganesh idols.

Key words: Ganesh Idol, Attitude, Awareness, Dental, Influenced, Immersion, Knowledge, Environment, Pollution.