Factors causing exam anxiety in medical students
Shireen Hashmat1, Masooma Hashmat, Farhana Amanullah
1Medical Unit III, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Medical students experience moderate examination anxiety, with extensive coursework, insufficient exercise, and lengthy exams identified as key contributing factors. Many students lack knowledge of anxiety-reduction techniques.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Student Well-being
Background:
- Examination anxiety is a significant concern for medical students.
- Assessing anxiety levels and identifying contributing factors is crucial for student support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate examination anxiety in final professional medical students using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
- To identify lifestyle, study habits, psychological factors, and examination system elements contributing to exam anxiety.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 medical students.
- Data collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire including VAS and questions on various contributing factors.
Main Results:
- The average maximum exam anxiety score on VAS was 64+/-28.
- Key factors contributing to anxiety included extensive course loads (90.8%), lack of physical exercise (90%), and long exam durations (77.5%).
- A majority of students lacked knowledge or failed to implement anxiety-reduction techniques.
Conclusions:
- Medical students exhibit a moderate level of examination anxiety.
- Extensive course load, lack of exercise, and long exam durations are significant contributors to exam anxiety.
- There is a need for improved education on and implementation of anxiety management strategies.
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