Knowledge and awareness regarding Promoting Volunteerism in Global Health among Undergraduate Dental Students in Khammam

  • Dr. G. Divyasree Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, India.
  • Dr. K. V. N. R. Pratap Professor and HOD, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, India.
  • Dr. T. Madhavipadma Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, India.
  • Dr. Surbhit Sing Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, India.
  • Dr. V. Srujankumar Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, India.
  • Dr. Pavani Chandra Post Graduate, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mamata Dental College, Khammam, India.
Keywords: Community Services, Volunteerism, Global Health, Health Promotion, Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Volunteerism plays a vital role in addressing global health disparities, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This abstract highlights the importance of promoting volunteerism in global health, emphasizing its potential to enhance health outcomes, promote cultural exchange, and foster sustainable development.

Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we identify key benefits of volunteerism in global health, including:

  • Improved access to healthcare services.
  • Enhanced cultural competency and understanding.
  • Development of sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
  • Empowerment of local communities.

Aim: To assess and promote knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding volunteerism in global health among undergraduate dental students in Khammam, with the ultimate goal of inspiring and empowering them to become active participants in global health initiatives.

Objectives

  1. To assess the current level of knowledge and awareness regarding global health and volunteerism among undergraduate dental students in Khammam.
  2. To evaluate the attitude and perception of undergraduate dental students towards volunteerism in global health.
  3. To identify the factors that motivate or deter undergraduate dental students from participating in volunteerism in global health.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 220 dental students, comprising 80 males (36.2%) and 141 females (63.8%), including 34 first-year BDS students, 38 second-year BDS students, 27 third-year BDS students, 46 final-year BDS students, and 76 interns. The Survey included 12 questions exploring awareness, of promoting volunteerism in global health were analyzed based on gender and year of study using chi-square tests to identify statistically significant differences.

References

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Mendoza, R. L. (2009). Public health policy and medical missions in the Philippines: The case of oral–facial clefting. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 21(1), 94–103. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539508327028

Omoto, A. M., & Snyder, M. (1993). Aids volunteers and their motivations: Theoretical issues and practical concerns. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 4(2), 157-176. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.4130040204

Ascoli, U., Cnaan, R.A. Volunteering for Human Service Provisions: Lessons from Italy and the U.S.A.. Social Indicators Research 40, 299–327 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006876528133

Ozgediz D. Voluntarism and the Global Unmet Need for Surgery. Arch Surg. 2009;144(3):289–292. doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2008.567

Harper, D. C., & Peterson, D. B. (2001). Children of the Philippines: Attitudes toward visible physical impairment. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 38(6), 566–576. doi: https://doi.org/10.1597/1545-1569_2001_038_0566_cotpat_2.0.co_2

Published
2025-01-26
How to Cite
Divyasree, D. G., Pratap, D. K. V. N. R., Madhavipadma, D. T., Sing, D. S., Srujankumar, D. V., & Chandra, D. P. (2025). Knowledge and awareness regarding Promoting Volunteerism in Global Health among Undergraduate Dental Students in Khammam. International Research in Medical and Health Sciences, 7(6), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.36437/irmhs.2024.7.6.E