Effect of stress during exam time on immunity - A Survey based study

Eshika Das; Anindita Shil; Sourajit Saha; Arpita Das; Soma Ghosh; Manoj Kumar Singh

doi:10.18006/2024.12(3).498.510

Authors

Eshika Das Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0171-7305
Anindita Shil Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3522-6404
Sourajit Saha Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9845-1737
Arpita Das Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8665-3074
Soma Ghosh Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6867-7817
Manoj Kumar Singh Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6658-4593

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2024.12(3).498.510

Keywords:

Exam stress, Stress and health, Stress and immunity, Psychoneuroimmunology

Abstract

Recent research indicates an escalating prevalence of stress among students during exam time. Our study aims to explore the correlation between stress induced by exams, its impact on immunity, and the varying effects of stress levels on students' health outcomes. A random online questionnaire survey involving 252 students across three educational levels, school, undergraduate, and postgraduate, have been conducted in this study. This study assessed stress levels, related symptoms experienced during exams, and stress-related health outcomes. The data were analyzed using Venn diagrams and statistically interpreted with Pearson correlation analysis and one-tailed ANOVA. The results revealed that across all three educational levels, females experience higher stress levels than males during exam periods. Additionally, females facing similar stress levels were found to be more susceptible to health issues than their male counterparts. Increased stress levels were correlated with higher incidences of weakness and digestive problems. These findings are consistent with previous research indicating that females are significantly more affected by stress than males and that stress is associated with adverse health outcomes. Our study underscores the need for further investigation into stress and immune response dynamics. Future research could explore blood biomarkers to understand these relationships better.

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