The Effect of Psychological Stress on the Level of Hematological Parameters and Cortisol Hormone among Students in the University

Abstract

Stress is a mechanism used by individuals to deal with problems and challenges that might arise from the inside or outside. The brain and the architecture of the body are directly impacted by stress. Among other things, psychological issues, health issues, sadness, anxiety, discomfort, and exhaustion can result from an inability to adjust to a stressful circumstance. This research was conducted on students of University to find out the effect of psychological stress on some immunological and hematological parameters. The research was conducted on twenty specific college students and blood samples were drawn from them in three stages. The first stage is the stage before exposure to psychological stress and during the rest period. The second stage is drawing blood from students while they are exposed to psychological stress (during exam times). The third stage is drawing blood from students after the psychological stress factor has passed and during the period of complete rest. The results showed a significant decrease in the value of the total white cell count and lymphocyte percentage and a significant increase in the percentage of neutrophil during the period of exposure to the factor of psychological stress as compared to the period before exposure to stress and then re-rise after the vanishing of stress-causing factor. On the other hand, the results showed a significant increase in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration during the period of exposure to psychological stress, in comparison with the two periods before and after the stress factor (at resting period) was removed. the results of the hormonal analysis showed a significant and clear increase in the concentration of cortisone during the period of exposure to psychological factor and as compared with the rest period before and after exposure to the psychological stress factor. For the first time in Karbala province, it has been proved that the research results showed clear influence of psychological factors on the immune status related to human health.