Prevalence of test anxiety and their related coping strategies in medical students – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Exam anxiety is characterized by a combination of bodily symptoms, such as overarousal, tension, and somatic symptoms; mental symptoms, such as concern, dread, and fear of failing; and physical symptoms, similar to catastrophizing. According to recent research, test anxiety affects anywhere between 25% and 40% of students. Self-distraction, denial, substance use, behavioral disengagement, emotional support, venting, humor, acceptance, self-blame, religion, active coping, the use of instrumental support, positive reframing, and planning have all been claimed to be successful coping mechanisms. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the test anxiety levels and related coping strategies in medical students. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital were included between September 2022 and January 2023. The students who consented to participate in the study were asked to complete the self-administered questionnaire consisting of parts on sociodemographic profile, Westside Test Anxiety Scale, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Scale. Results: Males had 38.1%, 35.7%, and 26.7% of average, moderate, and high levels of test anxiety and females reported of 43.8%, 34.4%, and 21.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Academic factors are greater perceived cause of anxiety in medical students. Interventions must be developed and implemented to target particular stressors to reduce the burden and anxiety on students from the 1st year itself. Early screening and interventions of test anxiety among medical students were warranted.

Keywords

• anxiety
• coping
• medical students