To Study the Effect of Examination Stress on Some of the Autonomic Functions in First Year Medical Students.

Abstract

Aim:  To  study  the  effect  of  examination  stress  on  some  of  the  autonomic  functions  in  first  year medical students.

Methods:  The  present  study  was  carried  out  in  the  Post  Graduate  Department  of  Physiology,  Government  Medical,  College  Jammu,  over  a  period  of  one  year  from  November,  2020  to  October,  2021.  for  assessing  sympathetic  system  activity - pulse  rate,  BP  ,  orthostasis  and  mental  arithmetic  test  were  calculated.  For  assessing  parasympathetic  system  activity  -  pulse  rate,  heart  rate  response,  heart  rate  variability,  standing  lying  ratio  were  calculated.  The  physical  parameters  recorded  were  height,  weight  and  body  surface  area.

 Results:  In  the  present  study,  there  was  a  significant  increase  in  pulse  rate,  systolic  and  diastolic  blood  pressure  as  such  and  during  mental  arithmetic  test  in  before  examination  stress  period  which  clearly  indicates  an  increase  sympathetic  activity  in  students  under  examination  stress.  Also  it  was  found  that  heart  rate  variability  significantly  decreased  in  students  before  examination  stress  which  is  suggestive  of  altered  autonomic  homeostasis  with  shift  towards  sympathetic  activation  and  vagal  withdrawal ( reduced  parasympathetic  system activity).

 Conclusion:  From our study, it can be concluded that there is statistically significant change in both sympathetic and parasympathetic system due to examination stress. To  overcome  the  examination  stress  in  medical  students,  they  can  be  recommended  relaxation  techniques  like  meditation,  yoga,  deep  breathing  exercises,  appropriate  healthy  diet  and  physical  exercises.  Counselling Sessions  could be provided to overcome stress.