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Examination stress in medical student: a study
N Shukla1, N S Verma, S N Tandon
1Department of Physiology, K.G's Medical College, Lucknow.
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Exam stress significantly elevates medical students' pulse rate and blood pressure before their 1st MBBS exams. However, electro cardiogram (ECG) recordings showed no significant changes, indicating stress impacts primarily cardiovascular function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Education
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Academic pressure is a known stressor for students.
- The 1st MBBS examination represents a significant academic milestone.
- Understanding physiological responses to exam stress is crucial for student well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of examination stress on medical students.
- To compare cardiovascular parameters before and during examination conditions.
- To assess changes in pulse rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 male and 10 female 1st MBBS students participated.
- Pulse rate, blood pressure, and ECG were recorded at two time points: 6 months prior (control) and 10 minutes before the examination.
- Data analysis focused on comparing pre-examination readings with control values.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in pulse rate was observed before the examination compared to control readings.
- Blood pressure readings also showed a significant elevation prior to the examination.
- No significant alterations were detected in the electrocardiographic recordings between the two measurement points.
Conclusions:
- Examination stress demonstrably impacts cardiovascular autonomic function, leading to increased pulse rate and blood pressure in medical students.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings suggest that acute, high-stakes examination stress may not induce significant ischemic or arrhythmic changes detectable by standard ECG.
- Further research could explore long-term effects or stress-mitigation strategies.