EVALUATION OF CORTISOL AND GLYCEMIA LEVELS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS DURING THE ASSESSMENT PERIOD

Abstract

Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, potentially interfering with energy metabolism. Medical students are frequently exposed to sleep deprivation and academic overload, especially during assessment periods. There are still gaps in the literature regarding the relationship between academic stress, hormone levels, and metabolic changes. This study aimed to evaluate cortisol and glucose levels in medical students during exam periods. Thirty-eight students from a higher education institution in the interior of Espírito Santo were analyzed at two distinct times: before and during assessments. Blood samples were collected for cortisol and glucose measurement. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired and Wilcoxon tests, according to the data distribution. No significant differences were found in cortisol levels (p = 0.5911) or glucose levels (p = 0.9395). However, a slight increase in median cortisol (from 17.42 to 17.73 μg/dL) and a greater glycemic amplitude were observed. Cortisol levels were already elevated from the first collection. The limited number of participants and the lack of longitudinal follow-up are limitations of the study. It is concluded that the evaluated period did not promote significant changes in cortisol and glycemia levels, but it may be involved environmental behavioral changes affecting the students' health.

Keywords: stress, anxiety, academic performance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis