1Associate Professor Department of Physiology, KBNIMS, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, KBNIMS, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Nadera Yasmeen Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, KBNIMS, Kalaburagi-585104, Karnataka, India. Email: drnaderayasmeen@gmail.com Mobile N0. 9845168176
Online published on 2 November, 2018.
Examinations conducted by the college as well as university in medical field of education create changes in the haematological parameters and biochemical parameters like serum cortisol levels. The students are under constant stress since the time of admission and this exaggerates during the time of examination. These changes need to be examined.
To demonstrate the effect of examination on haematological parameters and serum cortisol levels in 1st year medical students
To prove that stress alters haematological parameters and cortisol levels.
To prove that serum cortisol level is a good indicator for determination of stress.
About 30 1st year medical students between the age group of 18–19 yrs were selected for the study carried out for 10 months at KBNIMS Gulbarga, Karnataka. Haematological parameters [Hb%, RBC count, WBC count, Platelet count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte] and serum cortisol levels were estimated. 2 samples of blood were obtained. 1st sample of about 5ml was collected at the time of admission & 2nd sample 6 months during their 2rd internal assessment viva-voce examination. Blood samples for haematological parameters were analysed using Celtac α Automated Hematology analyser from Nihon Kohden and for serum cortisol levels were analysed using Fully automated bidirectionally Interfaced Chemi Luminescent Immunoassay.
When blood samples were compared, it was found that those samples taken during the exams showed a significant increase in Haemoglobin%, lymphocyte & monocyte count and a significant decrease in platelet, WBC and neutrophil count. A significant increase in serum cortisol levels were also noted.
It is concluded that examinations conducted in medical profession produce changes in haematological parameters and serum cortisol levels suggesting stress alters these parameters,. If proper care and support from the faculty along with the parents is provided, it will boost their immune system and enable the students to cope up adequately with exam stress.
Examination, stress, haematological parameters and serum cortisol
