Test anxiety and coping strategies among university students an exploratory study in the UAE

Abstract

Test anxiety is a widespread problem among university students, with negative consequences for their social, physical, and academic well-being. Therefore, students may engage in activities that might alleviate anxiety symptoms, including taking medication. The study aimed to identify factors affecting test anxiety among medical and non-medical students during examination period and their coping approaches. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey to collect data. The westside test anxiety scale was used to measure the students’ anxiety levels. Univariate and post hoc analyses were used. The number of participants was 925 from 14 colleges, and 82.9% of them were female. The results indicated that the test anxiety was moderately high. Young students, females, junior students, and students with low cumulative grade point averages (cGPAs) has statistically significant high test levels with p-values 0.042, 0.01, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively. Most students used multi methods to cope with anxiety. The most common non-pharmacological coping approaches are praying (59.5%), drink caffeine and/or energy beverages (49.6%). Only a few students (6.6%) used medications to cope with test anxiety, with only 2.2% using propranolol. The study concluded the test anxiety was a common among university students and an action should be taken to reduce the anxiety level. The priority of support programs should target females, young students, and those with low cGPA. In addition, there is a need to raise awareness among students to reduce caffeine and energy drinks consumption, maintain enough and quality sleep during this period and avoid using medication without expert advice.