EFFECT OF EXAMINATION STRESS ON BLOOD CELLS PARAMETERS AMONG MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAWIA, LIBYA

Fawzia Shawesh, Arwa Khdeir, Rowida Alzaruge, Maram Abu-Alqasim, Abobaker Kharbash and Altayeb Elazomi*

ABSTRACT

Medical university examinations are known to cause mental stress. Stress can lead to various changes in the normal functioning of the human body. This study was carried out among student of faculty of medical technology in University of Zawia. This investigation aimed to determine whether academic stress can affect the levels ofWBCs, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and platelets of students. Forty samples were collected from both male and female students aged 18 to 23 years. The collection was carried out before and during their exam periods. The blood sampleswere then assayed for cell count by using the routine method (complete blood count). Data were analyzed and compared with pre-examination results. There was no significant different in white blood cells, lymph counts and hemoglobin levels. On the contrary, a significant increase in platelet count was observed. The academic examinations in medical technology faculty are stressful enough to aggravate changes in platelet counts, even in healthy students.

Keywords: white blood cell, lymph, hemoglobin, platelet, stress.