Prevalence of Exam Anxiety and Its Determinants among Medical Students
Authors/Creators
- 1. Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S S Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka, India
- 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Chikkamagaluru Institute of Medical Sciences, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India
- 3. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S S Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Description
Introduction: Exam anxiety also called as test anxiety is a psychological condition in which people experience extreme distress. Anxiety level among medical students is of rising concern in the present days. Objectives: (1). To determine the prevalence of exam anxiety among medical students. (2). To assess the Socio-demographic determinants of exam anxiety among medical students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during December 2023 to January 2024 after the Institutional Ethical committee approval. The study proforma was distributed to second, third, and final-year undergraduates through an online Google forms link one month prior to the start of their university theory examinations. A proforma is created with the following sections: (a) Participant consent and General Information, (b) Examination Anxiety Scale (EAS). Assessment Tool: The STAI-5 scales, derived from the Spiel Berger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, gauge present and overall anxiety levels with 5-item versions for state and trait anxiety, evaluating immediate and general feelings. Individuals use a 4-point scale to rate their emotions. Results: The prevalence of exam anxiety among students is around 77% and the prevalence of general anxiety among students is 28%. Female students, year of study, staying at hostel, frequency of communication with the parents and engaging in physical activity are the determinants of exam anxiety and it is statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of exam anxiety is very high among students, which is slightly more among female students compared to male students. Less physical activity and place of residence also showed higher prevalence of exam anxiety. There is a need for anxiety reduction programme for the benefit of the students as greater anxiety can give unsatisfactory results in both academics and non –academic activities.
Abstract (English)
Introduction: Exam anxiety also called as test anxiety is a psychological condition in which people experience extreme distress. Anxiety level among medical students is of rising concern in the present days. Objectives: (1). To determine the prevalence of exam anxiety among medical students. (2). To assess the Socio-demographic determinants of exam anxiety among medical students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during December 2023 to January 2024 after the Institutional Ethical committee approval. The study proforma was distributed to second, third, and final-year undergraduates through an online Google forms link one month prior to the start of their university theory examinations. A proforma is created with the following sections: (a) Participant consent and General Information, (b) Examination Anxiety Scale (EAS). Assessment Tool: The STAI-5 scales, derived from the Spiel Berger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, gauge present and overall anxiety levels with 5-item versions for state and trait anxiety, evaluating immediate and general feelings. Individuals use a 4-point scale to rate their emotions. Results: The prevalence of exam anxiety among students is around 77% and the prevalence of general anxiety among students is 28%. Female students, year of study, staying at hostel, frequency of communication with the parents and engaging in physical activity are the determinants of exam anxiety and it is statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of exam anxiety is very high among students, which is slightly more among female students compared to male students. Less physical activity and place of residence also showed higher prevalence of exam anxiety. There is a need for anxiety reduction programme for the benefit of the students as greater anxiety can give unsatisfactory results in both academics and non –academic activities.
Files
IJPCR,Vol16,Issue5,Article176.pdf
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(333.3 kB)
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Additional details
Dates
- Accepted
-
2024-04-26
Software
- Repository URL
- https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/16/IJPCR,Vol16,Issue5,Article176.pdf
- Development Status
- Active
References
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