Academic stress and practical performance of freshmen in human anatomy

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase levels, relating them to the level of stress and academic performance of calories in the Human Anatomy discipline. Methods: Saliva collection procedures were performed before and after the application of the practical assessment of Human Anatomy. Saliva Cortisol and alpha-amylase concentrations were evaluated by ELISA method. The short version of the Stress Assessment Questionnaire for Nursing Students (ASNS) was used. Results: There was an increase in the students' stress level, with a significant increase of 46.8% in the levels of Cortisol and 46.1% of Alpha-amylase, (p <0.0009 and p <0.0001, respectively) after performing the proof. Initial averages were evaluated, before the start of the evaluation, of 0.440 ± 0.047 µg/dL for Cortisol and 111.19 ± 11.86 U/mL for salivary Alpha-amylase, and final average, after the evaluation was carried out, of Cortisol and final Alpha-amylase of 0.646 ± 0.178 µg/dL and 162.45 ± 44.69, respectively. The level of stress detected by the questionnaire presented significantly and positively (Cortisol: r²= 0.4353; p=0.0272/Alpha-amylase: r²= 0.4413; p=0.0258), with peak Cortisol (0, 21±0.15 μg/dL) and alpha-amylase (162.5 ± 44.7 U/ml). There was a significant and negative glow of academic performance with the peak of Cortisol (r²= 0.4169; p=0.0319) and Alpha-amylase (r²=0.4178; p=0.0316). Conclusion: The increase in declared stress is multifactorial, in which the university routine and emotional instability intensify the increase in anxiety and self-demand, which has repercussions on the performance of academics.