Level of Exam Anxiety in Students of a Public Sector Medical College, Lahore

Abstract

Background: This study examines the anxiety levels experienced by medical students during their academic journey in medical sciences. For many, approaching exams feels like an arduous and stressful endeavor. Objective: To evaluate the extent of examination-related anxiety among students at a public medical college. Methods: This study follows a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative design. Participants, comprising students from public medical colleges in Lahore, were included after obtaining their informed consent. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 27. Qualitative data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. To analyze the results, statistical methods such as the chi-square test and independent t-test were applied, with a significance threshold set at 5% or less. Results: Among the 350 female participants, the average age was 23.6± 2.1, a small proportion exhibited low anxiety levels during exams, Students were asked to rate their perceived level of exam anxiety on a scale from 0 to 100. The responses were categorized into three levels: 51(55.00%) reported maximum anxiety in 2nd Prof. year, in 3rd Prof 80(72%), students suffering moderate anxiety, while in 4th Prof. mostly students 38(46%) showed moderate anxiety during exam but students of final Prof maximum anxiety noted as 33(50%) with statistically significant p-value as 0.001. Conclusion: The study determined that exam anxiety was at a moderate to severe level during different profs as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale. To address this, teachers, parents, and college administrations should collaborate to implement strategies that help reduce stress and promote a healthier lifestyle.