Study of examination-related anxiety levels and coping strategies adopted by undergraduate students at a medical college in central Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, test anxiety is a common health problem among medical students. The magnitude of problematic test anxiety ranges from 0% to 52% in undergraduate medical students and has a detrimental effect on the academic achievement and success of students. Data on the prevalence of test anxiety among medical students are limited in this geographic area. Thus, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of test anxiety among medical students and the coping methods for the same. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 medical undergraduate students using Google Forms. Test anxiety was measured using Westside Test Anxiety Inventory and Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: 15.7% of students had potentially concerning levels of anxiety. Examination stress was significantly less among those who practiced yoga/meditation/breathing exercises/physical exercises, did not use tobacco/alcohol, and did not do net browsing for stress relief. A negative correlation was seen between preuniversity course marks and Westside test anxiety scores (Spearman's rho = −0.230, P 0.05). Conclusion: A significant number of medical students had higher anxiety levels before exams.

Keywords

• anxiety
• coping strategies
• examination stress
• medical education
• medical students
• westside test anxiety scale