The Incidence of Anxiety among Paramedic Students

Abstract

Introduction Summative assessments are an established form of assessing student performance, knowledge and ability against learning outcomes. The impact of anxiety on paramedic student success is not well understood but may adversely affect student outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the origins and incidence of anxiety among paramedic students. Method Distance and campus-based students from all three years of the Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine) program at Whitireia New Zealand were approached to participate in this study. A mixed method data collection was used. Participants completed an online survey including the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), program-specific questions and free response section to garner qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and t-tests, qualitative data was the subject of thematic analysis. Results One hundred and seventeen paramedic students participated in the study. Participants with previous tertiary education to diploma level had significantly higher WTAS scores than those with prior degree qualification (36.72 ± 5.92 vs. 31.42 ± 7.58, p=0.02). Students undertaking full-time work with part-time study had significantly higher WTAS scores than those enrolled in full-time study with part-time work (36.71 ± 7.0 vs. 32.09 ± 7.25, p=0.027). Qualitative analysis identified three themes: stressors, obstacles to learning and negative experiences. Conclusion High levels of anxiety were identified across the student body. There were significant differences in anxiety based on previous educational achievement and between full-time and part-time students. This demonstrates that different course delivery methods and student backgrounds may impact on paramedic student anxiety.