Prevalence and factors causing test anxiety among medical students

Abstract

Test anxiety (TA) is described as a set of psychological and behavioral responses that occur when a person is concerned about the possibility of unfavorable results or failing on an exam. Based on multiple studies, medical education is known for its rigorous curricula, continuous high academic demands, frequent assessments, practical instruction, and mentorship, all of which contribute to a stressful atmosphere that results in elevated rates of depression, anxiety during exams, subpar academic achievement, and a higher number of medical student dropouts. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of test anxiety and predisposing factors among students at Unaizah College of Medicine. Our study revealed that 45.4% of responders reported having low anxiety, while 33.2% of them reported having moderate anxiety. A lower but statistically significant percentage (21.5%) expressed high levels of anxiety. Regarding the factors contributing to exam anxiety in medical students such as social support, it was found that the students with poor social support exhibited significant odds of severe test anxiety. Remarkably, there was a decreased likelihood of experiencing severe anxiety when studying all the night before the exam. Research results have the potential to impact institutional policies concerning medical students’ well-being. Colleges can create supportive environments that address the factors causing test anxiety and promote mental health and academic success.