Serum Cortisol and Stress Hormones in Medical Students During Examination Periods at UNIBEN

Academic stress in medical students is a well-documented phenomenon that activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in elevated cortisol and other stress hormones. This study measures serum cortisol, adrenaline, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels in medical students at the University of Benin during examination and non-examination periods. A longitudinal repeated-measures design was adopted, recruiting 80 students in their clinical years. Blood samples were collected at two time points: one week before major examinations and six weeks after, during a period of academic calm. Self-reported stress levels, sleep quality, dietary habits, and physical activity were also assessed using validated questionnaires. The study tests the hypothesis that examination stress produces measurable neuroendocrine changes that are reversed during low-stress periods. The cortisol-to-DHEAS ratio was calculated as an index of adrenal stress reserve. The relationship between perceived stress scores and objective biochemical markers was also explored. Findings are expected to demonstrate a significant examination-associated cortisol surge and reduced DHEAS in this cohort. Results will support the development of institutional stress management programmes for medical students in Nigeria. Keywords: serum cortisol, academic stress, medical students, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, examination.