Abstract

Study of examination related anxiety levels in first year medical students during university examination Background & objective: Undergraduate medical education comprises strenuous study and training for a period of 5–6 years, which might adversely affect students’ mental health. Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that often has a negative effect on students’ academic performance, physical health, and psychosocial well-being. Hence the current study was designed to assess examination related anxiety among first year medical students during university examination. Materials & method: Ninety healthy first year medical students of both the sex in the age group of 18-19 years were included for the study. Informed consent & IEC was obtained. Anxiety levels were measured by administering the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) questionnaire. Results: The anxiety scores were significantly higher in female students (12.49 ± 6.42) than in male students (9.49 ± 5.06) (p<0.05). Results of our study showed 86.7% of students with mild, 8.9% of students with moderate and 4.4% of students with severe degree anxiety during examinations. Conclusion: The results suggest that there was significant increase anxiety level among the first year medical students, especially females during university examination. Effective lifestyle modifications, stress management and counseling should be implemented as the students enter the professional schools.

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