The Effect of Stress on Cardiovascular Parameters among University Students in Buea during and Out of Examination Periods

Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of examination stress on the cardiovascular parameters amongst undergraduate students of the University of Buea, out of examination period (OEP) and during examination period (DEP).

Experimental Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at the University of Buea (Cameroon). The field and laboratory work was carried out from January to June 2016 within which are two examination periods and two weeks of first semester break.

Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to document student’s demographic information and number of hours slept. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured using automatic arm sphygmomanometer. Blood samples were collected for full blood count analysis using a haematology analyser. Stress was measured using Cohen Perceived stress scale (PSS) while salivary alpha amylase (sAA) concentrations were measured by ELISA. Data was collected and analysed from 772 (OEP=378 and DEP= 394) participants. Mann-Witney U-test and students T- test were used for statistical analyses. The significance level was set at P<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of stress was 98.2% (387) DEP vs 97.4% (368) OEP (P=0.372) with PSS of (23.41±4.88 vs. 22.31± 4.53, P=0.002). The sAA concentrations was higher DEP (24.659 ± 16.384) than OEP (18.789±5.865) (P< 0.001). Among the haemodynamic and haematological parameters, SBP and HR were significantly higher DEP than OEP. There was a positive correlation between HR and sAA within both periods. WBC%, Lym%, Mon%, and MCHC were significantly lower (P<0.05) while Gran%, Plt and Pct increased DEP than OEP (P<0.05) with respect to stress.

Conclusions: The prevalence of stress OEP vs DEP implies stress is an important problem in students. This is proven by the increase in PSS and sAA concentrations during examinations and can lead to impairment of cardiovascular parameters.