The Relationship Between Exam Anxiety and Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Nutritional Attitudes, Physical Activity, and Sleep Quality in University Students

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between exam anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders, nutritional attitudes, physical activity, and sleep quality in university students during exam periods. Materials and Methods: This study included 204 university students (144 female, 60 males; 20.92±1.81 years) during an examination period. Exam anxiety was assessed using the Revised Test Anxiety (RTA) scale. Participants' musculoskeletal disorders (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)), nutritional attitudes (Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN)), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ)), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) were also evaluated. Results: Participants most frequently reported upper back, neck, and lower back pain, with 42.2% being inactive and 66.7% having poor sleep quality. RTA was positively correlated with CMDQ (r=0.196, p=0.005) and PSQI (r=0.266, p