Abstract

EFFECT OF EXAMINATION STRESS ON SERUM CORTISOL, HEAMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND SERUM CHOLESTEROL IN YOUNG HEALTHY MEDICAL STUDENTS

Shreya Nigoskar, Rahul Verma*, M.S. Chandel, Rajak Chanda and Prateek Prabhaker Awasthi

ABSTRACT

Background: Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Stress level in all aspects of life is growing at an exponential rate but stress level in students, especially MBBS students is alarming. Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of examination stress on serum cortisol, heamatological parameters and serum cholesterol in young healthy medical students. Material and Method: The study group, comprised 30 medical students aged between 18 -20years. Exactly 5 ml of venous blood was collected from each subject 1 month before a major examination. A second assessment was done on the same students 2 hours before any examination. Cortisol was assayed using ELISA techniques, serum cholesterol by enzymatic method and hematological parameters by automated cell counter. Result: There was statistically significant increase by using student „t‟-test, in serum cortisol, serum cholesterol and hematological parameters in students under examination stress compared to the non examination period. Conclusion: We concluded that examination stress stimulate HPA to release Cortisol. Bone marrow stimulation causes increased hematological parameters.

Keywords: Serum Cortisol, hematological parameters, Cholesterol, Examination Stress.