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Experience Report

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): January/December - 2025

Analysis of Stress Levels in University Students During Examination Periods

DOI
https://doi.org/10.52600/2965-0968.bjcmr.2025.3.1.bjcmr3
Submitted
June 9, 2024
Published
2024-06-09

Abstract

The academic routine, with its responsibilities and commitments, is crucial for professional life but can cause significant stress for students. This study analyzed the stress levels in physiotherapy students at a private college before and after exams. It is an analytical, observational, quantitative, and cross-sectional study conducted with 16 students (10 in the morning shift and 6 in the evening shift) during October 2019. Heart rate variability was measured with a sensor placed on the ear, using the Inner Balance app, before and after the exams. The data were analyzed by Kubius HRV. Additionally, the Lipp's Adult Stress Symptoms Inventory (ISSL) and Whoqol-bref questionnaires were used. The results showed a significant increase in sympathetic nervous system activity after the exams, indicating stress related to the evaluations. 45% of the students exhibited typical symptoms of increased sympathetic activity, corroborating the heart rate variability data. These findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies to understand the duration and effects of academic stress on students' bodies.

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