Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: November | Volume: 7 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 32-37
Pre- and Post-Examinational Stress Effect on Anti-Oxidant Level and Plasma Glucose Level of Students of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria
Ihim A.C1, Abiodu B. E1, Ukibe N. R1, Ogbodo E.C1, Ozuruoke D.F. N2, Analike R. A3, Oguaka V. N4,Onyegbule O. A3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus;
2Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Abuja;
3Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus;
4Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus.
Corresponding Author: Ogbodo E.C
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of pre- and –post examinational stress on antioxidant and plasma glucose levels in apparently healthy students. A total of 50 subjects aged 18-30 years, were recruited for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic data and dietary pattern of subjects whereas 5mls of blood sample was collected from the subjects and used for the analysis of biochemical parameters. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by thiobarbituric acid method, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by Rotruck’s method, Vitamin E by Desai’s method and glucose by glucose oxidase method. There was no significant difference in the mean serum levels of MDA, Vitamin E, plasma glucose and GPx activity (P>0.01) before and after examination stress. The results showed no statistically significant difference when pre examination plasma glucose level was correlated with pre examination antioxidant status (P>0.01). Again, there was no significant difference on the post examination plasma glucose level when correlated with post examination antioxidant status (p>0.01). However, the result did show a significant difference when post examination MDA was correlated with post examination GPx (r=0.370; p=0.01) but there was no significant difference on the post examination vitamin E level. Therefore, examination stress when properly managed may pose no deleterious effect on the students and hence, students should seek to acquire stress management skills that will enable them cope with the challenging nature of their academic life.
Key words: Examination, Stress, Glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, Vitamin E, Glucose.