Variable Response Of Ist Mbbs Students To Exam Stress

Dr. Rajesh Kathrotia*, Dr. Manish Kakaiya**, Dr. Dinesh Parmar***, Dr. Kalpesh Vidja**, Dr. Kirit Sakariya*, Dr. Neeta Mehta****

Abstract
Stress is inevitable in today’s world however people are different in the way they cope with stress. This study investigated the variable response to stress by the 1ST M.B.B.S. students during their 1ST credit examination. Thirty three male students participated in the study. They were divided into 2 groups, Group I- having less than 6 hours sleep, Group II-having more than 6 hours sleep before exam. Pulse rate was significantly higher in both the groups pre- examination (88±8.4 vs.78±4.47/min and 83.26± 9.96 vs 75.26±9.21/ min) Pre examination Systolic (118±7.27 vs 110±7.37mmHg) as well as Diastolic Blood Pressure (77.89±5.47 vs 72.1±5.05 mmHg) was significantly higher in group II. However the same was not significantly different in group I. On comparing the two groups pre exam none of parameters were significantly different while post exam only systolic BP was significantly higher in group I. Marks obtained in 3 subjects by two groups were not significantly different. Students vary in their response to stress as reflected in the sleep hours, reading habits & cardiac responses. Students having an abnormal sympathetic nerve activity at rest & in response to stressor, may be more susceptible to hypertension in future. The students should be screened and those showing sustained BP response should be followed up periodically

Key words: Exam stress, sleep hours, pulse rate, blood pressure, sustained sympathetic response.