Test Anxiety on Bowel Health and Constipation in Students

The Effect of Test Anxiety on Bowel Health and Constipation in University Students

This observational cross-sectional study aims to examine the relationship between test anxiety, bowel health, and constipation in university students. The study will include undergraduate students aged 18 years and older who are studying in the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department at Lokman Hekim University and who are in their final examination period.

Participants will complete self-report questionnaires during a single face-to-face assessment session. Constipation status will be evaluated using the Rome IV criteria, stool form will be assessed using the Bristol Stool Scale, constipation severity will be assessed using the Constipation Severity Instrument, and test anxiety level will be assessed using the Test Anxiety Inventory. Sociodemographic characteristics and bowel-related symptoms will also be recorded.

The study does not include any intervention or treatment. The findings are expected to help better understand whether test anxiety during examination periods is associated with bowel health problems and constipation in university students.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that may affect quality of life, daily activities, and psychosocial well-being. University students may be particularly vulnerable to bowel habit changes during examination periods because of increased academic stress and test-related anxiety.

This study is designed as an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. It will evaluate whether test anxiety is associated with bowel health indicators and constipation among university students during the final examination period. The study will be conducted at Lokman Hekim University with undergraduate students from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

After providing informed consent, participants will complete self-report forms and questionnaires in a single face-to-face assessment session. The assessment will include questions about sociodemographic characteristics, bowel habits, bowel-related symptoms, constipation status, stool form, constipation severity, and test anxiety level. No intervention, treatment, randomization, or follow-up assessment will be performed.

The study is expected to provide information about the possible relationship between psychological stress related to examinations and bowel health in university students. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of stress-related bowel problems and may support future preventive approaches for young adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being an undergraduate student in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Lokman Hekim University
• Being in the final examination period during the data collection process
• Having sufficient reading and comprehension skills to complete the questionnaires independently
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study after reading and signing the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, colorectal cancer, or a history of major gastrointestinal surgery
• Having diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome or another organic gastrointestinal disease
• Regular use of laxatives or medications that directly affect bowel movements, such as opioids
• Having neurological diseases that may affect bowel function, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or spinal cord injury
• Having had an acute gastrointestinal infection within the last month