Evaluation of pre-test anxiety among Syrian university students using Hamilton anxiety scale: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Test anxiety is a prevalent health issue among university students globally, adversely affecting their academic performance, confidence, and self-esteem. However, the specific context of pre-test anxiety among Syrian university students remains underexplored. This study employed the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to assess pre-test anxiety levels and evaluate the severity of symptoms among Syrian university students. This study was conducted during the final exam of second semester from July to August 2024 and included a sample of 491 students enrolled in various Syrian universities. Approximately 60% of participants reported moderate to severe pre-test anxiety. Notably, female students and those with medical conditions exhibited significantly higher anxiety levels compared to their male and healthy counterparts ( P < 0.001). Additionally, female sex was significantly associated with increased pre-test anxiety ( P < 0.05). Cigarette smoking was associated with higher pre-test anxiety symptoms; smokers had three times the likelihood of reporting pre-test anxiety. The findings underscore the vulnerability of female students and those with chronic conditions to moderate to severe pre-test anxiety and highlight the necessity for diverse stress management interventions to alleviate pre-test anxiety among students.