Examinations--an Occupational Hazard of University Students

Attendance at a University Health Centre for examination strainover 6 years is analysed. An effective medical service reducesthis to a steady 2 per cent of students during May and June.Females are twice as commonly affected as males; the Arts, Lawand Economics Faculties more than Medicine, Dentistry or Educationwith Science and Technology intermediate. Almost half appear within a week of the onset of examinationswith mild symptoms of short duration. A fifth appear much earlierwith severe symptoms of longer duration. The latter do not performwell; the former do not differ from other students. Environmental factors are important and influence the prevalencewithin the departments. Requests for reprints should be addressed to: Dr O. P. Edmonds, Occupational Health Service, Precinct Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9QS