Abstract

Background: Test anxiety is a common psychological problem among nursing students and can adversely affect academic performance, emotional well-being, and learning outcomes. First-semester B.Sc. nursing students are particularly vulnerable due to the transition into a demanding professional curriculum and increased academic expectations. Objective: To assess the level of test anxiety and determine its association with selected demographic variables among first-semester B.Sc. nursing students in Bengaluru. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 first-semester B.Sc. nursing students selected using convenience sampling from selected nursing colleges in Bengaluru. Data were collected using a demographic proforma and a Modified Sarason’s Test Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to assess levels of test anxiety, and chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between test anxiety and selected demographic variables. Results: The majority of students experienced moderate levels of test anxiety. Statistically significant associations were found between test anxiety and gender, previous academic performance and perceived difficulty of subjects (p < 0.05). Female students, those with poorer academic performance, and students who perceived nursing subjects as difficult reported higher levels of test anxiety. No significant association was observed between test anxiety and age or place of residence. Conclusion: Test anxiety is prevalent among first-semester B.Sc. nursing students and is influenced by specific demographic and academic factors. Early identification of high-risk students and the implementation of targeted academic and psychological interventions are essential to reduce anxiety, promote mental well-being and enhance academic success in nursing education.