Exam-related changes in salivary oxytocin and cortisol levels of preclinical medical students

ABSTRACT Objective: The relationship between exam conditions with the peripheral oxytocin and cortisol levels and psychological characteristics by gender were investigated. Participants and Methods: Thirty-six preclinical medical students gave saliva samples in exam-free and pre-and post-exam conditions and completed a comprehensive psychometric questionnaire. Results: Before the theoretical exam, cortisol levels were elevated in females but not in males, whereas, oxytocin levels were similar in both sexes under exam conditions. Genders were equalized in terms of most psychometric properties. Females did not feel prepared for the exam and experienced more anxiety before the exam than males. Females had higher cortisol levels before the exam than after the exam, but no change was observed in the cortisol levels of males by the exam conditions. Oxytocin levels did not differ significantly for any condition or group. Conclusion: Females may need to be supported in study planning and time management to increase exam preparedness and stress management to increase coping with stress. The study’s small sample size casts a shadow on the generalizability of the results. In future studies, the research process can be spread over a longer period and more people can be reached by not giving up strict selection rules.