Syrian Universities Research Articles

Enhancing Academic Success: A mixed Study on the Influencing Factors among Pharmacy Students in Syrian Universities.

Academic achievement is the result of both effort and perseverance exerted by the students. This mixed-methods study aims to investigate the factors affecting the academic achievement of pharmacy students in Syrian universities. A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was utilized. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1008 students (773 females and 235 males) from 23 Syrian universities. A questionnaire consisting of 48 items was designed to be completed by pharmacy students using a 5-point Likert scale.In the qualitative phase, twelve questions were developed to interview thirty pharmacy students from five Syrian universities to obtain in-depth insights into the factors influencing their academic achievement. A significant number of students lacked effective time management skills, identified as a weakness among students. The majority of students faced challenges in maintaining a consistent study routine, averaging a score of (2.0).Motivation towards learning emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing academic performance. Lecturers in the pharmacy faculty employed traditional teaching methods (2.01), and the pharmacy curriculum was perceived as lacking modernity (1.92).Quantitative findings demonstrated that pharmacy students experienced exam-related anxiety (2.05), identified as a weakness in the qualitative phase.Factors associated with the Syrian crisis, like unreliable electricity (1.87) and transportation issues (1.83), could have an impact on academic achievement. Economic conditions were identified as challenging to students' academic performance, negatively affecting the learning process (1.98). The results of the study demonstrate that personal factors, lecturers, educational environment, exams, and the Syrian crisis influence the academic achievement of pharmacy students in Syrian universities.

Enhancing Academic Success: A mixed Study on the Influencing Factors among Pharmacy Students in Syrian Universities

Background Academic achievement is the result of both effort and perseverance exerted by the students. This mixed-methods study aims to investigate the factors affecting the academic achievement of pharmacy students in Syrian universities. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was utilized. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1008 students (773 females and 235 males) from 23 Syrian universities. A questionnaire consisting of 48 items was designed to be completed by pharmacy students using a 5-point Likert scale. In the qualitative phase, twelve questions were developed to interview thirty pharmacy students from five Syrian universities to obtain in-depth insights into the factors influencing their academic achievement. Results A significant number of students lacked effective time management skills, identified as a weakness among students. The majority of students faced challenges in maintaining a consistent study routine, averaging a score of (2.0). Motivation towards learning emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing academic performance. Lecturers in the pharmacy faculty employed traditional teaching methods (2.01), and the pharmacy curriculum was perceived as lacking modernity (1.92). Quantitative findings demonstrated that pharmacy students experienced exam-related anxiety (2.05), identified as a weakness in the qualitative phase. Factors associated with the Syrian crisis, like unreliable electricity (1.87) and transportation issues (1.83), could have an impact on academic achievement. Economic conditions were identified as challenging to students’ academic performance, negatively affecting the learning process (1.98). Conclusion The results of the study demonstrate that personal factors, lecturers, educational environment, exams, and the Syrian crisis influence the academic achievement of pharmacy students in Syrian universities.

The attitudes of Syrian Private University Medical Students towards E-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the education sector, leading to the closure of colleges and schools and disrupting the learning process for an uncertain duration. In response, electronic learning has emerged as a suitable method for continuing the educational process during the lockdown. This study aimed to assess the attitudes, practices, and barriers to e-learning among medical students at Syrian Private University.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of the Syrian Private University (SPU) in Damascus, Syria. The study used a convenience sampling approach and was carried out from June 2021 to January 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire structured into two sections. The first section included 12 sociodemographic questions. The second section assessed students’ attitudes, practices, and barriers related to e-learning, and consisted of 14 questions on attitudes, 11 questions on practices, and 9 questions on barriers.ResultsOf the 519 participating students, over half (55.1%) exhibited a negative attitude towards e-learning. However, more than 60% reported engaging in e-learning activities such as downloading educational content and participating in virtual study groups. The main barriers identified were unstable internet connections (92.7%) and challenges in communication with educators (82.7%). Bionomical logistic regression revealed that negative attitudes were predicted by housing status, academic year, health status, lack of engagement with colleagues in e-learning practices, and the reported barriers of difficulty adjusting learning style, lack of technical skills, poor communication with educators, limited access to devices, and limited space conducive for studying (P < 0.05).ConclusionWhile medical students at SPU were actively engaged in e-learning, over half held negative attitudes. These negative attitudes were associated with the various barriers that students reported. The findings can inform stakeholders in our institution and other Syrian universities about the challenges of implementing e-learning in medical colleges.

Neither Israelisation nor Zionisation

Abstract For decades, the Druze community on the Golan Heights has waged a political struggle against Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, demonstrating its loyalty to Syria by refusing to accept Israeli citizenship, ostracizing (religiously and socially) anyone who does so, vetoing service in the idf, not teaching Hebrew in schools, celebrating Syrian national holidays, attending Syrian universities, etc. In the wake of the outbreak of the popular uprising in Syria in 2011, however, it has begun showing clear signs of cracks, most prominently amongst the younger generation. Due first and foremost to utilitarian factors. Characterised by a utilitarian wish to integrate into Israeli economy and society, this trend finds various expressions. Firstly, the number of Druze seeking Israeli citizenship has risen, albeit not dramatically, a clear correlation existing between this fact and the decline of the Ba’ath regime. Secondly, and at the same time, more young adults have begun applying to Israeli universities, the decade between 2011 and 2021 witnessing a significant rise in the number of Golan Druze students studying therein. Thirdly, in continuation of the same trend, the members of the Golan Druze community also began adopting an economic-focused orientation—which Israel met by launching an ambitious plan in 2014 for developing the 1052 Druze settlements in the Golan.

Measurement of Humanity Among Health Professionals: Development and Validation of the Medical Humanity Scale Using the Delphi Method.

Despite the importance of humanism in providing health care, there is a lack of valid and reliable tool for assessing humanity among health professionals. The aim of this study was to design a new humanism scale and to assess the validity of this scale in measuring humanism among Syrian health professional students. The Medical Humanity Scale (MHS) was designed. It consists of 27 items categorized into 7 human values including patient-oriented care, respect, empathy, ethics, altruism, and compassion. The scale was tested for internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach α and test-retest methods. The construct validity of the scale was also tested to assess the ability of the scale in differentiating between groups of health professional students with different levels of medical humanity. A 7-point Likert scale was adopted. The study included 300 participants including 97 medical, 78 dental, 82 pharmacy, and 43 preparatory-year students from Syrian universities. The Delphi method was used and factors analysis was performed. Bartlett test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sample adequacy were used. The number of components was extracted using principal component analysis. The mean score of the MHS was 158.7 (SD 11.4). The MHS mean score of female participants was significantly higher than the mean score of male participants (159.59, SD 10.21 vs 155.48, SD 14.35; P=.008). The MHS mean score was significantly lower in dental students (154.12, SD 1.45; P=.005) than the mean scores of medical students (159.77, SD 1.02), pharmacy students (161.40, SD 1.05), and preparatory-year students (159.05, SD 1.94). However, no significant relationship was found between humanism and academic year (P=.32), university type (P=.34), marital status (P=.64), or financial situation (P=.16). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (0.730) and Bartlett test of sphericity (1201.611, df=351; P=.01) were performed. Factor analysis indicated that the proportion of variables between the first and second factors was greater than 10%, confirming that the scale was a single group. The Cronbach α for the overall scale was 0.735, indicating that the scale had acceptable reliability and validity. The results of this study suggest that the MHS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring humanity among health professional students and the development of patient-centered care.

The prevalence of stress among medical students in Syria and its association with social support: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionChronic stress can interrupt personal life and cause fatigue, inability to concentrate, and irritability. This study aims to determine the prevalence of stress and its associated factors among medical students in Syria and whether social support could be a protective factor against stress.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the faculty of medicine of five Syrian universities. The Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was used to evaluate the stress caused by the possible sources of stress. And Social Support Questionnaire – short version (SSQ – short version) was used to assess the social support that medical students received from family, friends, and their fellow medical students using six questions.ResultsA total of 1472 medical students participated in the study. Among the total participants, 671 (45.6%) were males, and 801 (54.4%) were females. The majority of the participators had mild (50.6%; n = 745) and moderate (37.0%; n = 545) stress levels. Academic-related stressors were the most important cause of stress among undergraduate medical students. Social support was provided equally to both genders, and genders reported the same degree of satisfaction.ConclusionOur results emphasize the importance of improving the curricula, providing mental health consultants for students, and paying more attention to the mental health of female students. Finally, students in their clinical years should also receive mental health care, decreasing their duties and providing more self-free time.

Awareness and knowledge of familial Mediterranean fever among medical scope students in Syrian universities: A cross-sectional study

Familial Mediterranean fever is an autoinflammatory autosomal recessive disorder common among individuals of Mediterranean descent. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever accompanied by peritonitis, pleurisy, pericarditis, and/or arthritis, sometimes accompanied by an erysipelas-like rash. Mimicking manifestation of other inflammatory conditions and the diversity of symptoms leads to insufficient knowledge and understanding. General knowledge about this disease is considered low in most populations, but this bears greater consequences in people with high incidence rates. This study investigates the knowledge of familial Mediterranean fever among a group of medical students in public and private Syrian universities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022, and an international standard-based electronic questionnaire was adopted. The study included 758 current undergraduate medical scope students from public and private universities in Syria. The survey used for this study included inquiries made to assess awareness using global standards. It was divided into 2 sections, with 7 questions focusing on sociodemographic characteristics and 17 questions assessing the students' understanding of Familial Mediterranean fever. Our analysis showed strong correlations between the knowledge of Familial Mediterranean fever and certain specialization, college, academic year, and marital status. The mean score of answers was 9.39 out of 17 for all participants. The mean score of answers for medical students was 10.01 out of 17, while it was 8.81 for pharmaceutical students and 6.51 for dental students. These differences were statistically significant, p-value <0.001. This means medical students know better than pharmaceutical students, who already have better knowledge than dental students. We conclude that medical scope students' knowledge about the disease of Familial Mediterranean fever and its management is ineffective, especially among dental students, even in a country with high prevalence rates for Familial Mediterranean fever like Syria.

Proposing a framework for introducing the concept of engineering digitization to develop curricula: case study - Tishreen University, Faculty of Civil Engineering

The emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has made a major development in the fields of engineering and construction and has provided a means for documentation and design management throughout the building's life cycle. Despite this, the construction sector suffers from a clear shortage of specialists equipped with work skills, and therefore there is a gap and lack of skills. In order to meet the future needs for the skills of using (BIM) technology in the labor market, it was necessary to take serious steps to introduce BIM in education programs in Syrian universities to prepare future specialists, so this study aimed to identify the current reality of teaching Building Information Modeling (BIM) and to identify obstacles and challenges that prevent the application of (BIM) and propose a framework for introducing the concept of engineering digitization to develop curricula at Tishreen University, Faculty of Civil Engineering. The study used the descriptive survey method, and to collect data, two questionnaires were developed, which were applied to a sample of (32) faculty members from all disciplines of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. The study also used the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program to analyze the results of the questionnaire. The study showed a positive awareness of the culture of building information modeling among the various disciplines of civil engineering, despite the presence of many challenges and obstacles facing the implementation of BIM, and the study provided a general framework for the integration of building information modeling (BIM) technology with curricula The most important recommendations indicate the need to enhance awareness of the BIM culture and its applications by offering specialized training courses for academics in the use of modern technological tools based on BIM as an effective educational tool that can be integrated into the teaching curricula.

Knowledge and attitudes of Syrian medical students regarding robotic surgery: A cross sectional study

Background: Robotic surgery represents a significant advancement in modern medical procedures, offering enhanced precision, control, and flexibility beyond human capabilities. Despite its growing prominence globally, the adoption and perception of robotic surgery in various regions, particularly in countries like Syria remain underexplored. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Syrian Arab republic medical students concerning robotic surgery. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria from 5 April to 17 may, 2022. The research included undergraduate medical students from government and private Syrian universities. The questionnaire was taken from a previous study and then modified to suit Syrian students, which was used to assess attitudes about robotic surgery. Results: 862 medical students from governmental (92.2%) and private (7.8%) medical colleges filled out the online survey. 40.8% were interested in surgery specialties and, nearly half (46.3%) considered themselves as no tech-savvy persons. However, just 22.6% had prior robotic surgical knowledge, where the largest source of knowledge was the internet. A majority of the students (57.3%) had a favorable attitude toward robotic surgery, and 59.1% of them believed that the use of robots will lead to improvements in the results of surgical procedures. 40% of the participants considered that Syrian patients would not accept it. Furthermore, 40% were worried that robots could take the place of surgeons in the future, and (50.6%) believe this might make surgeons weak, hesitant, and less professional. Conclusion: A large number of medical students in Syria have no experience with robotic surgery and know nothing about the procedures. Several recommendations should be made to improve clinical teaching using modern technology and robotic surgery, particularly for medical students interested in surgery.

Syrian medical students’ acceptance of peer physical examination and its associating factors: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of Peer Physical Examination (PPE) in middle Eastern society with its associate factors, and PPE acceptance during Covid-19 pandemic. The acceptance of PPE is considered high in multiple studies carried out in the west, but there were nearly no studies investigating the acceptance of PPE in the middle east or low-income countries.MethodsA questionnaire was shared through social media with students with focus on clinical-year students. A total number of 657 medical students were collected with a 74.5% response rate. The questionnaire gathered demographic information and recorded previous experience of PPE. A 5-point-likert scale was used to assess acceptance of PPE, factors affecting it, and the influence of COVID-19 pandemic. It also considered body’s areas students would accept to be examined. Associations between participants’ demographic and other details were tested using independent-samples T Test and other tests, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsEighty percent of medical students accepted PPE, while 3% did not, and 17% were neutral. Males had statistically significantly higher acceptance rates of PPE (M = 3.94 out of 5). Also, females had lower acceptance of being examined by other gender than males but did not mind examining other gender. Furthermore, the groin area (thigh) was the most rejected area for examination (20% only accept it), followed by the breast (23%).There was no statistically significant difference between different Universities groups or between different academic performance groups, finally there was statistically significant effect of religion and society on acceptance of PPE and religion has affected females more than males (p- value = 0.002).70.8% of students supported PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 6.8% did not, and 22.4% were neutral. There was not a significant difference in acceptance and supporting of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic between males and females.ConclusionsWith an 80% acceptance rate, PPE represents an effective alternative to the absent life models in Syrian universities. The application of PPE is less likely to go without difficulties, but authors suggest the presence of a supervisor and single-gender groups with friends paired together if possible.

Prevalence of internet addiction among Syrian undergraduate medical students.

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors for internet addiction disorder among Syrian medical students. Syrian medical students from 8 different universities participated in an online cross-sectional questionnaire study between May 13 and June 16, 2022. DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, and Internet Addiction Test were the 3 main determinants of the questionnaire. One thousand nine hundred fifty-three medical students from 8 different Syrian universities have participated in our cross-sectional. Half of the participants were from the Syrian private and Damascus universities. 62.1% were females, and most participants had good academic degrees (70-90/100). Sixty-nine percent of the study participants thought that COVID19 increased internet use rates. The Internet Addiction Scale's average score was 33.48 ± 16.29 (1-100). The total young internet addiction test score was high among medical students from the faculty of medicine university, students from Damascus University, males, smokers, and medical students with lower academic credentials than other subgroups. Both the relationship between internet addiction and DASS-21 subgroups and the correlation between DASS-21 subgroups were statistically significant. Our research showed that internet addiction was widespread among Syrian medical students, particularly when used more for entertainment than educational purposes. Additionally, it was linked to poor academic degrees in the exams at the university and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress.

The First Asynchronous Online Evidence-Based Medicine Course for Syrian Health Workforce: Effectiveness and Feasibility Pilot Study.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is critical for providing the best scientifically proven patient health care, and it is implemented worldwide in order to improve the quality of the delivered health care. However, not all Syrian health professionals are knowledgeable about the importance, methodology, and implementation of EBM. Providing web-based learning courses on EBM might be effective in improving the EBM knowledge of health care professionals. This study was performed to test the effectiveness and the feasibility of an asynchronous web-based course on EBM in improving the competencies of Syrian health care professionals in terms of EBM. A web-based course on EBM was developed in Arabic and uploaded onto the Syrian Virtual University platform. An electronic registration form was designed and distributed to medical groups on social media for registration to this web-based course. Both the pretest and posttest had the same 3 sections to measure the impact of this web-based EBM program on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the Syrian health care professionals. The posttest had an additional section for measuring the efficacy and ease of use of this program. Student paired 1-tailed t test was used to analyze the differences in the different assessment sections among the participants. Nineteen participants filled the electronic registration form, but 8 participants did not meet the inclusion criteria. Therefore, the pretest was sent to the remaining 11 participants (7 men and 4 women) who graduated from Syrian universities. Ten of them completed the pretest, while 7 of them completed the posttest. The web-based course was found to be effective in improving the participants' EBM knowledge, skills, and attitudes at P>.05. Further, the web-based EBM course was feasible and easy-to-use. In order for EBM to be implemented in Syria, continuous medical education training programs should be designed for clinical practitioners. Our study shows that asynchronous web-based medical education is an effective and a feasible means for introducing the concept of EBM, improving practitioners' skills, and promoting the positive attitudes of Syrian clinical practitioners toward EBM.

Philosophy of disciplinary punishment of university faculty in Syria: فلسفة العقوبة التأديبية لأعضاء هيئة التدريس في الجامعات السورية

This research examines the philosophy of disciplinary punishment in terms of the definition of disciplinary punishment, the principles governing it, the types of penalties imposed by the Board of Discipline of Teaching Staff and the manner in which the Board is set up to impose disciplinary punishment on university faculty The main objective of this research is to show the extent to which these disciplinary sanctions contribute to achieving compatibility and a fair balance between the public interest that relates to the proper functioning of the education facility without harming the rights and guarantees of the faculty member in universities, as well as protecting him from the arbitrariness of the administrative authority when signing it. In this study, we followed the analytical approach to study the principles that govern disciplinary penalties and the types of these light penalties imposed by each of the university president, and severe penalties also imposed by the competent disciplinary board stipulated in the Syrian Universities Organization Law. It was concluded that the Syrian Universities Organizing Law specified disciplinary penalties for faculty members exclusively, and the Syrian legislator did not specify disciplinary violations exclusively in the Universities Organizing Law, and did not link each disciplinary violation with the disciplinary punishment ensuing from it, but left the assessment of this to the competent disciplinary authority and we recommend the Syrian legislator Determining a specific disciplinary penalty for each disciplinary violation, in order to protect the faculty member from the arbitrariness of the administrative authority in imposing penalties, although it is difficult to identify all violations, due to their large number and differences.

A Survey Study Of Undergraduate Dental Students’ Perception Of Pathology Course In Damascus University (Dental Students’ Perception Of Pathology Course)

With COVID-19 widespread flooding all over the world, the entire medical practice as well as medical education has been effected by this pandemic spread. Efficient and clear understanding of pathology, which the basic science that investigates the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of diseases, during this periodis necessity to orient medical educators in their endeavor in planning new medical curriculum. Aim of study: to evaluatestudents’ perception of pathology coursein the undergraduate stage in Syrian universities. Study design: A survey study for students of medicine and dentistry was conducts using questionnaire that was delivered to the students electronically. Results: 248 responses distributed to 47% of males and 53% of females. Most of them (54.7%) pointed out to the overloaded of curricula with information that is repeated in other courses. Whereas, (50.6%) agreed that the assessment methods are reliable. Still participants revealed not to choose pathology as a future career because they prefer other specialties. Conclusion: We concluded that despite some weaknesses that the teaching of the pathology curricula suffers from, it still retains its importance as a specialty even if some sectors need further modifications, but it maintains many positive points as to the assessment methods and the comprehensiveness of the topics it provides. © 2021, SciDoc Publishers. All rights reserved.

English

English

Degree of Availability of the Integrated Preparation Criteria inArabic Language Teachers’ Preparation Program in Syrian Universities from the Educational Qualification Diploma Students’ Viewpoint

The study aimed to know the degree of availability of integrated preparation criteria in the Arabic Teacher training Program in Syrian universities from the viewpoint of university students of the Educational qualification diploma, and the degree of availability of these standards in the outputs of the preparation program. To achieve the Goals of the study, a list of integrated preparation criteria was prepare comprising (110) indicators, distributed to (11) criteria. The list was applied to a randomly chosen sample of (45) educational qualification diploma students. The results of the study showed that the Standards for integrated preparation are provided in a medium degree overall in the program for preparing teachers of Arabic language. The results of the study showed the availability of standards for integrative preparation as a whole, with a medium degree in the Arabic language teacher’s preparation program. The criterion for the integrative acquisition of occupational traits and characteristics ranked first with a high degree of availability, at a rate of (79.16%). This is followed by the criterion of integration between the basic knowledge of effective teaching with a medium availability, at a rate of (59.85%), followed by the criterion of achieving integration between specialized knowledge and practical application with a medium availability rate, at a rate of (55.497%). Then the criterion for achieving integration between specialized knowledge and methods of teaching it with a moderate degree of availability, and at a rate of (54.92%). This was followed by the criterion of making the student-teacher evaluation integral with a medium availability degree, at a rate of (52,785%), followed by the criterion of linking linguistic and professional ability with a medium availability degree, at a rate of (52,663%).....

Innovations in the management of higher education: situation analysis of Syrian female students empowerment

Syrian women face many barriers and restrictions on the way to legitimate their roles in the formal economy and the higher education sector. This paper examines the higher education environment in Syria, highlighting the situation after 2011. The purpose of this research is to conduct a situation analysis of Syrian female students’ empowerment in the higher education environment. The study object is the private Syrian university used to identify the main barriers and restrictions in the higher education sector and determine training areas for solving the before-mentioned issues. The methodology applied in this research employs a quantitative approach through the design of a structured questionnaire. The findings exposed the importance to develop further investigations on the integration of gender equality into the university strategy. Therefore, a lack of awareness of gender equality and equity is a significant area for development and study at Syrian universities. The obtained results in the field of female students’ empowerment demonstrated adequate levels of motivation to pursue a career in academia and interest in studying gender-oriented courses. However, gender issues have not integrated into the university course offerings and curriculum. This study covers the policies related to institutional support are areas of investigation. Besides, the research results showed that stereotypes and social expectations exist are considered to be the challenges that require examination. Technological skills, soft skills, and leadership skills were determined as an array of training that was needed by female students. Self-empowerment was recognized as critical training for female students. Developing management, leadership, and networking skills were also identified as a training need for female students. Keywords: female, gender, student, higher education, women empowerment, university.

Improving the Quality of Educational Services Using Quality Function Deployment: A Field Study on Syrian Universities

Improving the Quality of Educational Services Using Quality Function Deployment: A Field Study on Syrian Universities

A Critical Analysis and a Suggested Reform of Psychiatric Curricula in Medical Faculties During Syrian Crisis

Recent research shows that secondary consequences of war on family, social, and economic life are important predictors of psychological outcomes. Post traumatic stress disorders PTSDs have been found to increase dramatically during war as they are psychological responses to intense traumatic events, particularly which threaten life. Syria is facing a serious health problem since the number of outpatients with somatic symptoms and related disorders has increased as well as the number of inpatients with psychiatric emergencies, has also risen during Syrian crisis. The WHO emphasizes that mental health should be viewed as an integral part of public health and social welfare programs, and not as a specialist activity set apart. The Syrian society is in critical need for young medical doctors, who are specifically trained to handle psychiatric complex situations and who, are culturally attuned to their requirements, problems of peace, and human rights. It has been of critical importance to assess the current psychiatric curricula, related to stress disorders, which are delivered in Syrian medical schools. This paper presents a critical analysis to the current psychiatric curricula in Syrian Universities and suggests a new psychiatric curricula and training that need to be delivered in order to produce health professionals who are able to provide psychological first aid, problem-solving counseling, relaxation training, and mange acute behavioral emergencies in countries that suffer from conflicts and crisis. This would be of critical importance to design community-based and culturally sensitive programs and also to design recovery-oriented programs that can promote mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of people affected by crisis.

The impact of servant leadership on leadership sustainability: empirical evidence from higher education in Syrian universities

The purpose of this research paper is to develop a theoretical framework of sustainable leadership model which could be applied to assess Higher education academic and administrative staff perception and level of endorsement of significant leadership behaviours at Higher Education industry. Leadership sustainability is relatively a new trend which requires further examination. The sustainable leadership model comprises a set of leadership behaviours including visionary, team oriented and servant leadership. A theoretical model is established, clarifying the significance of selection of the abovementioned leadership behaviours. Planned Methodology, measurement, empirical testing and application of the theoretical model is investigated. A quantitative approach is employed to design a questionnaire survey to identify the appropriate conceptualisation of integrated leadership attributes and behaviour items. The competitive advantage of the theoretical model is characterised by the combination and integration of various characteristics and attributes of leadership and its relationship to leadership sustainability, a newly defined leadership dimension in the context of higher education. The model argues the significance of the abovementioned leadership dimensions in Higher Education industry, particularly among rectors, faculty deans, vice dean and heads of departments. Cronbach alpha Reliability test shows very strong internal consistency and significance. Higher Education industry is investigated in this research study selecting a convenience sample from Higher Education institutions. Descriptive analysis shows high level of endorsement of perceived leadership dimensions among academic and administrative staff. The regression analysis shows strong and positive significance of servant leadership on perceived sustainability leadership in higher education. The research paper emphasizes the significance of leadership dimensions including vision, influence, team building, and service in higher education industry in Private and Public universities.