Background: Stress in students during examination is always associated with high levels of anxiety. Salivary cortisol is used as a biomarker to assess stress levels. The aim of the present study is to evaluate Salivary Cortisol levels and also recording and analyzing the heart rate, oxygen saturation and stress in dental students using the sensor and S-Health software provided in the smart phone.
Materials and methods: The study is carried out on 40 BDS students, who are appearing for their university practical oral examination. Their average age ranged between 22-25 years. The concentration of cortisol in the saliva (μg/dl) is determined by using a salivary enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit at central Research Lab, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur. Subjects are evaluated for two times, one during relaxed state and another during stressed state. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and stress levels will be measured using Smart phone S-HEALTH sensor.
Results: Salivary Cortisol levels at relaxed state were 4.4950+2.22422 and at stressed state were 5.4025+2.51034. Heart rate at relaxed state was 100.42+15.20777 and at stressed state were 103.88 +15.58465. Oxygen saturation was almost normal both at relaxed state stressed state. Maximum number of subjects in relaxed state showed low levels of stress and in stressed state showed high levels of stress. Comparison of Salivary Cortisol levels, Heart rate, oxygen saturation and stress levels between relaxed and stressed state showed no statistical significance.
Conclusion: Advantage from this study to the society is once the stress levels are recognized by self-assessment, skills for stress resistance should be implemented. An efficient relaxation program as well as counselling services with meditation programs, and regular yoga should be done to enhance their academic performance.
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