Health anxiety and academic performance among undergraduate medical students: A correlational study

Abstract

Introduction: Health anxiety is commonly overlooked as a distinct issue and a component of anxiety. Its impact on academic performance in university students has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between anxiety and academic performance among medical students. Methods: A correlational study involving 600 medical undergraduate students was conducted. Results: Of the 510 students involved in the study results indicate females experienced higher levels of health anxiety than males. The prevalence of health anxiety was 13.34%. A significant association (r = -.157; p=0.002) between anxiety (M=15.31; SD=9.86) and academic performance (M=64.87; SD=7.48) was found. Conclusion: The prevalence of health anxiety among study participants was 13.34% and it was negatively associated with academic performance. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that policies and interventions aimed at educating and managing health anxiety among medical students be incorporated into medical school curriculum.