Changes in Some Hematological Parameters and Cortisol level among University Students During and after Examinations Stress

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of academic stress during examination periods on hematological parameters and cortisol levels among university students. Forty students (17 males, 23 females; mean age 22 years) from the College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq, were assessed at rest and during examinations. Psychological stress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), revealing moderate levels of depression and stress, and extremely severe anxiety. Hematological analyses showed significant increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) during exams (p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0042, respectively), while other parameters (e.g., WBC, platelets, lymphocytes) remained unchanged. Although mean cortisol levels were higher during exams (45.86 ng/mL) compared to rest (40.37 ng/mL), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.455). The findings suggest that exam stress induces modest hematologic shifts without significant endocrine disruption, highlighting the variability in individual stress responses.