An Assessment of the Effect of Recitation of the Quran on Exam Anxiety in Nursing and Emergency Medicine Students

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension caused by the feeling of being at risk and can affect the performance of an individual. Today, exam anxiety is increasingly observed among educated people and this situation causes a loss of concentration. Faith increases confidence and patience and strength to deal with problems. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of recitation of the Quran on exam anxiety in nursing and emergency medicine students. This was a quasi-experimental study performed on nursing and emergency medicine students of Borujen School of Medical Emergency Nursing, Iran. The purposive sampling method was used in the present study and all students participated in this study. The courses presented during one semester for each field of study were randomly divided into two groups. An audio of Maryam Surah, verses 1 to 26, were played for one group before the midterm exams and the other group before the end of term exams for 5 minutes. Data collection was performed using a demographic questionnaire and Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before all exams. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and analytic statistics (such as independent t-test and paired t-test) in SPSS software. The results of this study showed that the mean levels of apparent anxiety in nursing students during exams without Quran recitation was 48.73 ± 13.52 and during exams with Quran recitation was 44.72 ± 15.26. The average level of hidden anxiety during exams without Quran recitation was 43.33 ± 9.61 and in exams with Quran recitation was 41.36 ± 11.99. A statistically significant difference was observed among these averages (P < 0.05). The mean levels of apparent anxiety in emergency medicine students during exams without Quran recitation was 41 ± 12.98 and during exams with Quran recitation was 39.11 ± 11.82. The average level of hidden anxiety during exams without Quran recitation was 41.33 ± 8.78 and during exams with Quran recitation was 38.46 ± 11.01. A statistically significant difference was observed among these averages (P < 0.05). The results showed that the sound of the Quran before exams can reduce student's anxiety levels. Therefore, it is recommended that managers and policy makers consider the results of this study, and play audios of the Quran before exams in order to reduce stress but also take steps to promote familiarity with the Quran.