Effect of high-fidelity simulation on alpha-amylase activity and concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin class A, cortisol, and testosterone among medical students

Purpose High-fidelity simulation calls heavily upon cognitive capacities and generates stress and anxiety. The objective of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the degree of stress in medical students by measuring hormone levels during critical care classes. Methods Overall, 55 students (senior years of medical faculty) of both sexes were divided into 5-person teams. Demographic data and information on diagnosed diseases, stimulants used, and previous experience in the field of medical simulation were collected with a personal questionnaire. Before starting the scenario (T0), after the end of the scenario (T1), and 120 min thereafter (T2), stress level was measured. For this purpose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation were evaluated. In addition, saliva was collected to determine alpha-amylase activity and the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin class A, cortisol, and testosterone. Results Among hemodynamic parameters, systolic and mean blood pressure and heart rate were significantly higher in T1 than in T0 and T2 time points ( p