Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Stress is a physical or psychological stimulus that can produce mental or physiological reactions that may lead to illness. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of examination stress on cortisol levels. Materials & Methods:110 medical students of both genders were selected. Their salivary cortisol levels were measured using quantitative ELISA, and their mood factors were evaluated using the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) scoring system. Results: Out of 110 patients, males were 60 and females were 50. The mean SBP was 118.4mm Hg and 120.4mm Hg, and DBP was 78.4mm Hg, and 80.6mm Hg. The mean heart rate was 72.4beats/min and 76.8beats/min. The stress level was 12.1 and 15.7, the anxiety level was 9.5 and 12.4, and the depression level was 7.2 and 9.6. The mean cortisol level was 2.72ng/ml and 5.04 in relaxed state and stressed state respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: In order to improve students' academic performance, medical instructors and students alike should be made aware of the detrimental effects of stress encountered during medical training. These students should also be offered counseling services in addition to an effective relaxation program.