SURVEY STUDY ON PERCEPTION OF RAGGING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS- A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

Abstract

Introduction: Ragging is the term used for the "initiation ritual" which is practiced in higher education institutions in most of the South Asian countries. It involves teasing, treating with rudeness, abuse and harassment of newcomers or junior students by the senior students. It has the effect of generating a sense of shame, they start to isolate themselves and so on. Because of it, the newcomers are subjected to physical or psychological torture.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the perception of ragging among dental students.

Methods:  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 dental students of Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India. A self-administered questionnaire which assessed perceptions regarding ragging among dental students was circulated. Data and responses were collected and entered in the excel sheet and the results were statistically analysed through SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were expressed by means of frequency and percentage. Chi- Square test was used to find the association between variables.

Results: Among 100 dental students, 54% of the population belong to the age group of 17-19 years and doing their 1st year, 32% of the population belong to the age group of 19-21 years and doing their 2nd year and 14% of the population belong to the age group of 23-25 years and doing their intern. In that, 82% of the population have reported that rudeness of senior students towards junior students causes annoyance and physical harm and this was found to be statistically significant. (p value- 0.04)

Conclusion: Overall awareness about ragging is not good i.e., very poor. Provision of prior support for students may help them to reduce anxiety. A prior education of students is necessary. There is an important need to develop knowledge and awareness among the students about various aspects of ragging and what are the legal actions against it.