The Effect of Stressful Conditions on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters Among University Students

University students are more susceptible to stress and other mental health problems, which can have a negative impact on their health and academic performance.The main objective of the present study was to explore the influence of exam stress on various biochemical and hematological parameters among university students.The study involved 100 undergraduate students (n=100) aged between 18 and 35.Blood samples were collected from each student three times.The first sample was taken one week before the exam, the second on the day of the exam, and the third 10 days after the exam.Various tests were carried out to evaluate the impact of academic stress on different parameters, such as Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glucose, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol, insulin, complete blood count, and blood pressure.Blood samples obtained during exams indicated a substantial decrease in the levels of liver enzymes (GOT, GPT), serum magnesium, insulin, and white blood cell count as compared to pre-post examination findings (P<0.001).A significant increase was recorded in electrolyte levels (sodium and potassium; P<0.001), blood pressure (systolic and diastolic; P<0.001), glucose level (P<0.001),Hormones level (TSH; P<0.001, cortisol; P<0.001), and platelet counts (P<0.002).The study has revealed that exam stress can significantly impact certain blood test results, leading to physical changes that could affect a student's academic performance.This study is significant because it explores the impact of stress on tests that have not been previously examined