Magnitude of test anxiety and its determinants among midwifery and nursing students in Eastern Ethiopia, 2023

Mawerdi Adem Hassen; Daniel Tadesse; Bereket Tefera; Legesse Abera; Mickiale Hailu

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20250390

Authors

Mawerdi Adem Hassen Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Daniel Tadesse Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Bereket Tefera Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Legesse Abera Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Mickiale Hailu Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3876-970X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20250390

Keywords:

Test anxiety, Magnitude, Midwifery, Nursing, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Test anxiety is referred to as the set of psychological and behavioral responses that accompany concern about likely negative consequences or failure of an exam or similar evaluation situations. Test anxiety has an effect on academic achievement and success of students. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of test anxiety among midwifery and nursing students in Eastern Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among midwifery and nursing students at Eastern Ethiopia universities. Study subjects were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were entered into Epi Data version 4.1, and the data was exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the association between test anxiety and independent variables. Finally, the AOR, 95% CI, and p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: the overall magnitude of test anxiety among midwifery and nursing students was 53.5% (95% CI=42.49-58.83). Being female [AOR=2.03, 95% CI=1.40-2.94], poor time management [AOR=2.33, 95% CI=1.62-3.36], psychological distress [AOR=1.4, 95% CI=1.03-2.14], and lack of study plan [AOR=1.59, 95% CI=1.09-2.30] were significantly associated with test anxiety.

Conclusions: Magnitude of test anxiety among midwifery and nursing students is pressing concern that can adversely affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Data suggests that this anxiety is not only common but also influenced by identifiable factors such as gender, time management, psychological health, and study habits.

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