Frequency of Anxiety During Exam / Assessments among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: The phenomenon of severe anxiety and self-doubt experienced by individuals prior to taking exams or assessments can significantly impair their performance, potentially leading to poor outcomes. Research on the prevalence and contributing factors of assessment-related anxiety among medical students in Pakistan is scarce. Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of exam-related anxiety among medical students and identify its associated factors. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: Allama Iqbal Medical College/ Jinnah Hospital Lahore Pakistan. Duration: Six months from 09-12-2022 to 09- 06-2023. Methods: After approval of the study proposal and attaining the informed consent of the medical students, they were explained the purpose of study. After inclusion, all the students were asked questions as per PHCC test anxiety questionnaire to determine presence as well as healthy or unhealthy nature of stress. All these students with anxiety were assessed for factors related to this stress including female gender, 1^st year of medical college, oral exam, poor time management skills and pre-existing psychological distress. All data was collected in a self- made pro forma. Results: Total of 135 students, mean age was 23.30±2.48 years. Frequency of anxiety was 51.1% (n=69). Frequency of female gender factors in students with anxiety versus without anxiety was 52.3%% (n=56) versus 47.7% (n=51), 1^st year in medical college 87.9% (n=58) versus 12.1% (n=8), oral exam 79.7% (n=59) versus 20.3% (n=15), poor time management skills 95.6% (n=43) versus 4.4% (n=2) and pre-existing psychological distress was 92.3% (n=24) versus 7.7% (n=2). Conclusion: The results indicate that a considerable proportion of medical students experience significant exam anxiety, with 51.1% affected. The study further revealed a notable correlation between anxiety and factors such as being in the first year of medical college, facing oral exams, inadequate time management skills, and pre-existing psychological distress. Given its prevalence, the issue of problematic exam anxiety among medical students warrants increased attention.