Increased academic stress is associated with decreased plasma BDNF in Chilean college students.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Academic stress (AS) is a prevalent challenge faced by university students, potentially affecting molecular indicators such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and global DNA methylation (G-DNA-M). These indicators could illuminate the physiological ramifications of academic stress.

Study design and methods

This research followed a quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal panel design spanning two academic semesters, observing phenomena in their natural context. Students from the Medical Technology program at Universidad de Concepción, Chile were involved, with assessments at the beginning and during heightened academic stress periods.

Sample

Of the total participants, 63.0% were females, with an average age of 21.14 years at baseline, and 36.

SUBMITTER: Castillo-Navarrete JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10629390 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature