In January this year, 2,187 candidates for the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examinations participated in a survey asking them to report their experienced stress level on a ten-point scale. Their average stress level was 7.16.

An additional 578 candidates took the same test in March, and the stress index increased to 7.87.

Twenty four percent of the candidates interviewed this year in January and 36 percent in March still reported having experienced “very high” stress levels of 9 to 10 on the scale.

Hok Yau Club Student Guidance Consultant Ng Po-shing said that 90 percent of interviewed students had experienced burnout, 87 percent had concentration issues, and 78 percent said they were prone to mood swings.

Students’ stress level this year is lower than the record high back in March 2020 – the tail end of protests – when the average was 8.1. But they face uncertainties posed by the latest Covid-19 outbreak.

“This year’s candidates have been affected by the epidemic since they were in Secondary four,” Ng said. “Without guidance from teachers and the support of their friends and classmates, students are facing a great deal of uncertainty.”

Ng also said that students should focus on what is in their control to minimize stress and anxiety.

“Students have their views on the arrangements, but it is important for them to focus on what they can do to prepare for the examinations,” Ng said.

Ng reminded candidates to take their body temperature, conduct a rapid antigen test and complete a health declaration form every day before the examination.

The DSE exams are scheduled to begin on April 22. If candidates test positive but are still able and willing to take the exam, they must contact the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority and head to Penny's Bay Special Examination Center.