The Evaluation of Anxiety Levels among Students during Academic Exams

Abstract

Globally, exam-related anxiety is a widespread issue, affecting approximately 30-40% of students at various academic levels, with some studies indicating higher prevalence rates in regions with more competitive educational environments. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 20% of students worldwide may experience mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, exacerbated by academic stress. The study is conducted at health colleges within selected universities in Baghdad/Iraq, focusing on programs such as nursing, medicine, and public health. These colleges were chosen due to the high academic demands placed on students and the prevalence of national standardized exams within these disciplines. Observations indicate that exam-related anxiety and depression are notable among healthy college students. When compared to global and regional data, these findings reveal that unified national academic exams in the Arab region significantly contribute to mental health issues. High levels of anxiety and depression were found to affect academic performance adversely. These mental health issues impair key cognitive functions such as concentration, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities, making it difficult for students to perform to their potential.