Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Medical Laboratory Science BS

Department

Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Anna Swann, Ph.D.

Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

Stress is prevalent among college students. Prolonged, unmanaged stress can affect physiological processes such as glucose metabolism. This study aimed to examine the effects of stress on glucose levels of medical laboratory science (MLS) students at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). To achieve this, the participants’ perceived stress levels and glucose levels were measured at the beginning of the semester and during finals week, a period when college students typically experience the most stress. There were nineteen MLS students that participated. Data was collected at two phases: phase 1 at the beginning of the semester and phase 2 during finals week. Each participant’s perceived stress was assessed via an 18-question survey, and glucose levels were measured via capillary sticks in both phases. The results showed that stress levels and mean glucose levels increased from phase 1 (M = 84.6, SE = 2.64) to phase 2 (M = 91.8, SE = 2.98), although the difference was not statistically significant, t (18) = -1.91, p=0.073. Correlational analyses showed a positive correlation between stress and glucose levels during phase 2. These findings align with previous research that highlights how the stress response can cause elevated cortisol output, thus altering glucose regulation and metabolism. Despite the statistical insignificance of the findings, the trends observed emphasize the impact academic stress has on students’ health. This study contributes to research that shows the effects of stress on the health of college students, emphasizing the importance of stress management programs in colleges and universities.

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