The effects of attitudes towards anatomy course on exam anxiety of university students in health fields

Objective: Aim of our study is to get students' opinions about anatomy education, to determine their attitudes towards course, and to investigate these attitudes’ effects on exam anxiety. Methods: Descriptive study population was conducted with 648 student participants studying at Faculty of Dentistry and Health Sciences and Vocational School in Kocaeli Health and Technology University, 2022-2023 academic year. 63 multiple-choice questions were asked to students within scope of 3 different evaluation elements, namely Personal Data Form, Attitude Scale Regarding Anatomy Course and Exam Anxiety Scale. It was aimed to determine students’ opinions and attitudes about anatomy course and their effect on exam anxiety. Results: In our study, it was observed that there was a significant difference between Attitude Scale Towards Anatomy Course and age, class and preferring to department willingly variables (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between gender and education level, and levels of attitude towards anatomy course and exam anxiety (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between anxiety levels in the Exam Anxiety Scale and preferring to class and department willingly variable (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that the factors affecting students' attitudes towards the anatomy course and exam anxiety levels are variables such as age range, class level and the status of coming to the department willingly. In this context, in order to develop a positive attitude towards the anatomy course and to reduce exam anxiety, it is recommended to organize the course content in accordance with the learning levels, to strengthen the teacher-student interaction and to use interactive learning methods. The results of this research may contribute to the effective design and implementation of the information given in anatomy education by supporting healthcare professionals to have higher academic success and to continue their professional practice in a more qualified manner.