Economic Crisis and Higher Education in Lebanon: Effects on Student Life and Expectations

The economic crisis in Lebanon, which began in 2019, has affected the healthcare system and patients' incomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the obstacles faced by people with epilepsy (PWE) during this crisis and to assess its impact on their quality of life. The method used was a cross-sectional study conducted among PWE aged 18-65 years, who were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire covering sociodemographic aspects, clinical aspects, the impact of the economic crisis, and the QOLIE-31 (version 1.0), validated in English and Arabic, which assesses the quality of life of PWE. 71 patients were included in the study with an average age of 35.2 years [23.5; 62.5] (53.5% were males). Their average QOLIE-31 score was 50.3 (+/- 17.9). A significant proportion (71%) of patients reported difficulties during the crisis, with 25% reporting having had seizure-related injuries in the years 2022-2023 and 36.6% reporting an increase in seizure frequency compared to that prior to 2020. Moreover, many patients had to change (33.8%) or discontinue (18.3%) antiseizure medications, due to drug shortages, rising costs, and high gas prices. To mitigate these challenges, patients sought solutions such as obtaining medications from abroad (34%) or through donations (8%) or purchasing from the black market (8%). Low quality of life was associated with unemployment, low education level, the presence of focal seizures with impaired awareness or generalized seizures, polytherapy, seizure-related injuries, and medication changes during the economic crisis. These results highlight the considerable challenges faced by PWE in Lebanon during the economic crisis, emphasizing the negative effect of the crisis on their quality of life and seizure control. This study analyzed the obstacles faced by 71 people with epilepsy during Lebanon's economic crisis and showed that many patients had to change (33.8%) or discontinue (18.3%) antiseizure medications, due to drug shortages, rising costs, and high gas prices. To mitigate these challenges, patients sought solutions such as obtaining medications from abroad (34%) or through donations (8%) or purchasing from the black market (8%). This affected their quality of life. In fact, low quality of life was associated with unemployment, low education level, focal seizures with impaired awareness or generalized seizures, polytherapy, seizure-related injuries, and medication changes.

Pharmacy education in Lebanon

The impact of COVID-19 and the economic crisis on Lebanese public health: Food insecurity and healthcare disintegration

This study examines Lebanon’s enduring financial and economic crisis, exacerbated by economic challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Port of Beirut explosion. With over 80 % currency devaluation due to sovereign debt default, the crisis has intensified poverty and unemployment, compounded by political turmoil. Using survey data from 178 stakeholders, experts, and academics, this research explores the intricate drivers of Lebanon’s crisis and offers insights for policymakers. Employing quantitative methods, it uncovers the intertwined role of financial mismanagement, government failures, mounting public debt, financial engineering techniques, and political instability in driving the crisis. Recommendations emphasize prudent financial practices, sound governance, and policy interventions. This study sheds light on Lebanon’s complex financial and economic challenges with data-backed perspectives from diverse stakeholders, providing valuable insights for management practitioners and scholars navigating crises in tumultuous environments. It aims to contribute to the management discourse, equipping stakeholders with actionable strategies for addressing and preventing similar crises. It also explores the interplay between stakeholder perspectives and the determinants of the financial crisis in Lebanon. It delves into the interconnected nature of the crisis and demonstrates how stakeholders from various sectors and backgrounds mirror the factors identified in the literature.

ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and the Beirut explosion on the training and work of ophthalmology residents and...

Background: The spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a major public health issue. This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the Lebanese people in undergoing an orthodontic treatment after the outbreak of COVID-19, as well as the factors that influence their choice of orthodontic appliance type. Methods: 489 Lebanese participants (199 men and 290 women) were invited to fill a questionnaire developed on Google Forms. Eligible participants were simply Lebanese people including those who immigrated during the crisis. Dentists, dental students and foreigners were excluded from the study. The link for the questionnaire was sent to the patients via WhatsApp. It is a brief, structured 10-item questionnaire that assesses the relationship between the economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic and the Lebanese participants' decision to initiate orthodontic treatment and their choice of appliance type. Results: A total of 489 responses were obtained: 199 men (41%), 290 women (59%) with a mean age of 24 years ±8.4 years (age range: 13 to 64 years). Half of the participants feel anxious in consulting for an orthodontic opinion during the pandemic. Almost half of the respondents are thinking of starting orthodontic treatment after the start of COVID-19. The responses showed that most participants (71%) believe that the current economic crisis in Lebanon influences their decision to start an orthodontic treatment. Regarding the choice of the type of orthodontic appliance, a higher number of respondents choose metal braces (traditional) than other appliances. In a normal situation, the aesthetic of the appliance is the most important factor in choosing the appliance. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic crises in Lebanon had a negative impact on the financial and emotional well-being of the Lebanese people, on their decision to initiate an orthodontic treatment as well as on choosing the type of the appliance. However, despite the difficult circumstances facing the country, a big part of the respondents was not discouraged from initiating treatment.

Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees in the world in relation to its population (every seventh inhabitant is a refugee) In light of the events of Spring 2020, new concerns emerge: how will the living conditions of the domestic and refugee communities in Lebanon, already burdened by the economic crisis, be exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic? In this paper, the Slovak intervention by members of Ambrela - Platform for Development Organizations is presented It focuses on preventing and addressing the causes of migration by improving the living conditions of the population and its prospects for finding employment in home communities Study also shows the impact on alleviation of the refugee crisis in Lebanon under the SlovakAid brand by the recent humanitarian crisis related to the Covid-19

Entrepreneurship, once a choice, has now evolved into a critical lifeline for the youth in Lebanon amid a prolonged and extensive economic crisis, now entering its fourth year. This crisis has triggered a shift in the mindset of Lebanese youth, driven by the high unemployment rate, acting as a catalyst for a transition towards entrepreneurship as a viable career choice. This study underscores the necessity of comprehending the determinants shaping social entrepreneurial intentions among Lebanese students. The goal is to identify these determinants, allowing for the implementation of necessary measures to not only enhance these intentions but also facilitate their transformation into tangible actions, thereby propelling economic growth and fostering sustainable development. The research investigates the intricate interplay of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial passion, and moral obligation, with entrepreneurial self-efficacy serving as a mediating factor. Conducting a survey among 265 participants from four universities in Lebanon using convenience sampling, this research employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for analysis. The results reveal that entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial passion significantly boost students’ belief in their entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Simultaneously, entrepreneurial self-efficacy intensifies students’ entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, a positive correlation is observed between moral obligation and social entrepreneurial intention. These findings hold significant implications for educators and policymakers, offering insights to guide initiatives aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial education and fostering an environment conducive to socially impactful ventures, in light of the economic and political crisis that Lebanon is currently facing. Likewise, researchers can gain insights from the theoretical foundations of the present study and discover possible pathways for future analyses. Moreover, integrating sustainability principles into entrepreneurial education could further amplify the social and economic impact of ventures in Lebanon’s challenging context.

The convergence of the economic crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, and Beirut Blast has precipitated unprecedented challenges for the healthcare system in Lebanon, particularly for cancer patients. Amidst these crises, our study evaluates its contribution to a concerning trend of operating on more late-stage and complex colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. We included 155 patients operated for CRC between 2017 and 2023. Patients age; sex; operation type (emergency or elective); tumor size, grade, and location; tumour, node, metastasis stage; lymphatic, vascular and perineural invasions; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, presentation and previous history, and complications were examined. Surgical outcomes remained relatively consistent before and after the crisis. However, there was a notable increase, with patients being 3.59 times more likely to undergo resection of adjacent organs in metastatic disease post-crisis. Patient characteristics also exhibited notable shifts, with a 9.60-fold increase in the likelihood of having an ASA score of at least 2 after the crisis. Additionally, there was a 5.36-fold decrease in the odds of patients undergoing a colonoscopy before their diagnostic one post-crisis. Preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly elevated post-crisis compared to pre-crisis levels. Pathological findings revealed increased odds of perineural, vascular, and lymphatic invasion post-crisis. Additionally, there was a notable increase in the likelihood of hepatic synchronous metastases post-crisis. Furthermore, a trend to operate on complicated diseases was noted with an increased number of colostomies. The economic crisis in Lebanon has profoundly affected early intervention and comprehensive treatment for CRC patients, resulting in a concerning rise in late-stage cases requiring surgical intervention.

Recommendations for Improving Equitability of Care for Pediatric Oncology Patients in Lebanon.

The ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly impacted public health, particularly in relation to food safety and foodborne illnesses. This crosssectional study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning food poisoning among the North Lebanon community during the crisis. Data were collected from 349 participants aged 18 and above through a structured online questionnaire from March to May 2023. The findings revealed a decline in food safety awareness since the crisis, with only 26.6% of participants reporting being well-informed, compared to 73.4% prior to the crisis. Social media emerged as the primary source of food safety information (75.6%), while healthcare workers were underutilized (16.9%). Dairy products (12.6%) and poultry (11.7%) were identified as the leading causes of food poisoning, particularly from collective catering sources (83.7%). Participants expressed growing concerns over food quality in restaurants (80.5%) and new food brands entering the market (36.1%). Despite heightened public awareness, gaps in food hygiene practices persist, underscoring the need for enhanced food safety education and regulatory oversight. These results highlight the urgent necessity for public health interventions to address food safety risks exacerbated by the ongoing economic challenges in Lebanon.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had serious repercussions on the global economy, work force, and food systems. In Lebanon, the pandemic overlapped with an economic crisis, which threatened to exacerbate food insecurity (FI). The present study aims to evaluate the trends and projections of FI in Lebanon due to overlapping health and economic crises. Data from Gallup World Poll (GWP) 2015–2017 surveys conducted in Lebanon on nationally representative adults (n = 3000) were used to assess FI trends and explore its sociodemographic correlates. Predictive models were performed to forecast trends in FI (2018–2022), using GWP data along with income reduction scenarios to estimate the impact of the pandemic and economic crises. Pre crises, trend analyses showed that FI could reach 27% considering wave year and income. Post crises, FI was estimated to reach on average 36% to 39%, considering 50–70% income reduction scenarios among Lebanese population. FI projections are expected to be higher among females compared to males and among older adults compared to younger ones (p < 0.05). These alarming findings call for emergency food security policies and evidence-based programs to mitigate the burden of multiple crises on the FI of Lebanese households and promote resilience for future shocks.

In this interview, Karim Eid-Sabbagh and Ulrich Ufer discuss how the case of the public infrastructure crisis in Lebanon highlights the importance of including analytical dimensions of critical political economy and global financial dynamics in technology assessment alongside a technology-society-governance perspective – in particular when focusing on the Global South. The Lebanese crisis has built up through long-term structural problems that include the legacies of colonialism, the country’s peripheral position in global capital relations, elite nepotism, sectarian strife, and the state’s dependency on international donor funding to build and maintain public infrastructure. These have coincided with short-term disintegration and disaster events over the past two years: mass migration, countrywide anti-government protests in fall 2019, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, the destruction of large parts of the country’s capital by the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020, and the spiraling devaluation of the Lebanese currency.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of digital transformation (DT) on organizational resilience (OR) within the context of higher education in Lebanon. Drawing from Duchek’s (2020) capability-based resources approach, the authors aim to examine the mechanisms of OR and identify the core capabilities that enhance resilience during this period of major disruption.Design/methodology/approachIn an era marked by uncertainty and complex challenges, organizations across all sectors must harness technological advancements and cultivate resilience to build a sustainable future. Resilience in the workplace has emerged as a critical factor. Like many other developing countries, Lebanon faces acute challenges in adapting to these changes. However, Lebanon’s situation is particularly distinctive as it grapples with one of the most severe financial and economic crises in its history. Amid these adversities, the country remains steadfast in preserving one of its most valuable assets: the quality of its higher education system. This situation prompts a pivotal question: How can higher education institutions (HEIs) in Lebanon overcome financial and economic constraints while sustaining their commitments to quality and innovation? The primary objective of this paper is to explore the impact of digital transformation (DT) on organizational resilience (OR) within the context of higher education in Lebanon. Drawing from Duchek’s (2020) capability-based resources approach, we aim to examine the mechanisms of OR and identify the core capabilities that enhance resilience during this period of major disruption. In pursuit of this objective, the authors adopted a qualitative methodology, involving semistructured interviews with 15 professors and 7 employees from both private and public Lebanese universities.FindingsThe findings reveal that DT plays a vital role in fostering OR by enhancing HEIs’ capacity to anticipate, cope with and adapt to challenges. Specifically, DT facilitates collaboration, optimizes the mobilization of organizational resources and fosters a flexible organizational structure supported by adaptive systems and agile processes. Furthermore, the findings highlight the role of social capital and behavioral preparedness (i.e. preexisting digital infrastructure) in enabling certain universities to effectively address emerging threats. These findings hold both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, they contribute to a deeper understanding of OR across multiple levels of analysis. Practically, they provide actionable insights into strategies and pathways that can strengthen the resilience of academic institutions in times of uncertainty.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors acknowledge several limitations of this study, including its small sample size of only 22 interviewees. The authors, hence, propose several directions for future research. First, to build and expand upon the findings, future research should consider developing questionnaires and collecting data from larger samples. This approach would facilitate a quantitative understanding of OR and enable the analysis of statistical correlations among its various determinants. Second, the authors have found that the roles of anticipation and adaptation capabilities in fostering resilience require further exploration. Thus, future empirical and conceptual studies could focus more extensively on these under-researched aspects of the resilience process, providing deeper insights into how organizations can better prepare for unexpected events and learn from them. Third, future studies could also benefit from conducting longitudinal studies to observe the concrete practices and routines adopted during specific crises or adversities and how these evolve over time. Fourth, while in this study the authors have attempted to distinguish between individual and organizational levels of resilience, future research should delve further into the relationship between these levels. Investigating how resilience at one level can facilitate or influence the development of resilience at another level would provide valuable insights. Finally, future research could explore the drivers and antecedents of OR in other developing countries facing similar crises.Practical implicationsThese findings hold both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, they contribute to a deeper understanding of OR across multiple levels of analysis. Practically, they provide actionable insights into strategies and pathways that can strengthen the resilience of academic institutions in times of uncertainty.Social implicationsThe drivers and antecedents that emerge from our study, such as investment in artificial intelligence and information and communication technologies, social capital, developed learning process, sharing vision among all the university members, development of clear communication channels and implementation of a style of management less hierarchical, provide practitioners with relevant insights that would allow to set up a framework for OR to build a more competitive and sustainable university.Originality/valueHEI can, therefore, successfully go through the constantly shifting digital landscape while offering their students a high-quality education, establish a flexible structure and implement robust systems and processes based on adaptability, flexibility and agility.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon has been compounded by the economic collapse and devastating ‎Beirut port explosion, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of ‎the Lebanese population with the government's response to the pandemic and evaluate the public ‎perception of the economic crisis and the Beirut port blast's impact on the COVID-19 situation. This is a web-based cross-sectional study that utilized a self-administered questionnaire comprising closed-ended ‎questions with predefined response options. To identify predictors of the governmental response score, a ‎multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. A total of 2,384 participants were enrolled, with a mean ‎COVID-SCORE of 15.38 ± 5.28 (out of 40 points). The majority of participants‎‏ ‏‎ (2,163, 90.7%) expressed ‎mistrust in the Lebanese government's ability to effectively address unexpected health threats related to the ‎COVID-19 pandemic. Two-thirds of the participants (1,849, 77.6%) ‎ believed that the economic crisis had ‎impacted the government's response to the pandemic. Nearly 70% of the participants perceived that the ‎Beirut port explosion contributed to COVID-19 transmission. Government mistrust, along with the ‎economic crisis impact, were significantly associated with lower satisfaction scores (P &lt; 0.001). This study ‎revealed a significant level of dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population regarding the government's ‎response to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring a lack of trust in its ability to effectively manage the ‎crisis. The compounding challenges arising from the Beirut port explosion, economic collapse, and depleted ‎resources have further impeded Lebanon's ability to navigate the pandemic successfully. Urgent ‎interventions and collaborative efforts are required to effectively manage the economic and political ‎repercussions, rebuild a resilient healthcare system, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. ‎