Universities In Lebanon Research Articles

The lifetime prevalence of exposure to community violence among Lebanese university students: association with behavioural and mental health correlates

Studies that examine the exposure to community violence (CVE) among young adults in developing countries are limited. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and types of CVE and its behavioural and mental health correlates among Lebanese university students. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 450 university students were sampled using proportionate sampling design. Overall, 70.3% of the sample reported witnessing violence and 49.1% violence victimization. The most common type of witnessing community violence was hearing gunfire, while the highest reported type of violence victimization was being threatened. After adjusting for potential socio-demographic confounders, alcohol binge drinking was the strongest correlate of CVE. Regarding mental health, psychological distress was significantly associated with both forms of CVE after accounting for relevant variables. The prevalence of CVE appears to be high among Lebanese young adults. Universities in Lebanon are encouraged to increase students’ awareness about community violence.

Bridging the Gap between Grammar Competence and Communicative Performance

Traditional grammar-based approaches have failed to bestow on second language learners the desired level of language competence. There is a significant amount of evidence that established approaches to teaching English were unreliable guides to classroom instruction. However, the newly learner-centered formation has generated more productive and prolific teaching schools and strategies. The communicative teaching methodology is a learner-based approach’s offspring that primarily promotes the speaking skill and promises enhanced outcomes. Throughout my six years experience at various universities in Lebanon and upon implementing the communicative approach on numerous English levels ranging from level 1 to 6, I found out that in the course of the adoption of the latter method, students were undoubtedly able to achieve better outcomes in speaking skills. Nonetheless, I evidently noted various weaknesses through constantly observing students engage in performance task-based activities, namely a noticeable decline in grammar acquisition and writing proficiency. Both pedagogy types, grammar-based and communicative approaches, were employed in a mutually exclusive manner. However, grammar is an important part of building communicative competence, and oral fluency is significant for building linguistic competence. In its focusing on oral fluency, a communicative approach may not be the best option for a student seeking to enhance his/her writing ability and understanding of grammar. The purpose of this research is to trace the gaps and suggest solutions.

The Status of Quality Assurance in Two Lebanese Universities

This study was set to assess and analyze the status of two private university quality measures such as the quality audit, control, and ranking in Lebanon. In addition, it was set to discuss and evaluate the programs given by these universities. Finally, it was set to synthesize and analyze different tools that could be applied on the quality services these universities have. The sample of this study is two private universities in Lebanon where interviews were conducted separately with 6 deans, 6 chairpersons, and 6 coordinators. In addition to the universities, plenty of information was taken directly from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the Republic of Lebanon.
 Thus, qualitative data analyses were conducted. Main results showed that one of the main aims of both universities is to get new students registered and have better quality of education. They always take into consideration the quality audit, control, and ranking, which allow them to be ranked from the top universities in Lebanon. One University has been accredited in 2015, which makes it necessary to follow up with the quality control; the second university is still working on getting accredited.
 The study concluded with recommendations addressed to private universities in Lebanon.

Exploring an unconventional approach to cancer

Exploring an unconventional approach to cancer

Impact of high-fidelity simulation on the development of clinical judgment and motivation among Lebanese nursing students

BackgroundHigh-fidelity simulation (HFS) offers a strategy to facilitate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes and motivate the new generation of students. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of using high-fidelity simulation on the development of clinical judgment and motivation among Lebanese nursing students. DesignA post-test, quasi-experimental design was used. SettingsTwo private universities in Lebanon were targeted to implement the intervention. ParticipantsA convenience sample of 56 nursing students from two private universities in Lebanon were recruited. MethodsData were collected using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric and the Motivated Strategies for Learning questionnaires. ResultsNursing students exhibited significant improvement in clinical judgment and motivation due to exposure to HFS. There was a significant difference post HFS between the intervention group and the control group in clinical judgment intervention (t=5.23, p<0.001) and motivation for academic achievement (t=−6.71, p<0.001). The intervention group had a higher mean score of clinical judgment (29.5, SD=5.4) than the control group (22.1, SD=5.7) and, similarly, students had higher mean scores of motivation (198.6, SD=10.5) in the intervention group than in the control group (161.6, SD=20). The analysis related to differences between the intervention and control groups in motivation and clinical judgment; controlling for previous experience in health care services, the analysis showed no significant difference (Wilk's lambda =0.77, F=1.09, p=0.374). ConclusionThere is a need for nursing educators to implement HFS in nursing curricula, where its integration can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and nursing practice and enhance critical thinking and motivation among nursing students.

Administrators’ and Faculty’s Perceived Online Education Barriers and The Role of Transformational Leadership at a U.S. University in Lebanon

&lt;p&gt;The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the perceived barriers obstructing the implementation of online education by administrators and faculty at the School of Arts and Sciences of a U.S. university located in Lebanon. The aim of this study was to offer a solution to the most important perceived barriers to online education that informs administrative decisions concerning the appropriate modalities of online instruction that may be implemented at the university. The exploratory factor analysis identified 8 factors out of 35 possible perceived barriers to online education. Faculty and administrators perceived the structural barriers and the pedagogical barriers as very important. Faculty also perceived technical barriers as very important. As a first step toward offering online instruction, the university leadership could offer blended traditional and online education instruction for suitable courses in the School of Arts and Sciences with the goal of assessing feasibility and acceptance. The implementation of this solution may be smoother if facilitated using various leadership styles. In this article, the transformational leadership style is used for implementing the solution to the problem. The findings of this research may be beneficial for other universities in Lebanon and other nations that may be considering the implementation of online education.&lt;/p&gt;

Like on Different Planets? Lebanese Social Scientists in Their Scientific Communities

Social sciences and humanities (SSH) at Arab universities are often described as suffering from a lack of academic freedom. However, institutional autonomy and the individual academic's opportunities and constraints seem to differ considerably among Arab institutions. Individuals conducting social sciences and humanities under different configurations of local, regional and international influences from the state, the market and the civil society. One problem made evident by existing research literature about Arab social sciences is the comparably weak networking capacity of its academic publishing and library systems. It suggests over-dependence upon international systems, a lack of direct communication amongst local and regional scientific communities, and intellectual bigotry. This article sheds light on the question how Arab institutions and individuals cope with this particular shortcoming in their academic system. It focuses on correlations between institutional and individual autonomy as measured by the modes of decision making and funding. The article will also explore the relationship between an institution's autonomy and its interconnectedness as measured by its library services and by references in faculty's dissertations. Data stem from interviews with faculty, surveys among students, and visits to libraries of two different universities in Lebanon, which are analyzed in comparison. Moreover, several networking initiatives are characterized by which social scientists in the region tackle this problem. Through private initiative, these academics seem to recover regional coherence based on Arab language and experience.

A cross-cultural validity of the E-learning Acceptance Measure (ElAM) in Lebanon and England: A confirmatory factor analysis

Despite the prevalence and significance of e-learning in education, there is a dearth of published instruments for educational researchers and practitioners that measure users’ acceptance of e-learning. To meet this need, Teo (2010) developed the E-learning Acceptance Measure (ElAM). The main objective of this paper is to validate the ElAM (Teo, 2010) across two cultures, one is from a European country: England, and the other from Asia: Lebanon. A total sample of 461 university students from two private universities in Lebanon (n = 209) and one university in England (n = 252) participated in this study. Using confirmatory factor analyses, our findings revealed that the original 3-factor solution for ElAM (Teo, 2010) was supported and found to be adequate for the British sample, whereas the results revealed a bad fit for the Lebanese sample. Despite the differences, the ElAM was found to possess an acceptable level of internal consistency and item reliability for the pooled sample. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed at the end of the paper.

Incorporating geriatrics into undergraduate medical education in Lebanon.

Although the proportion of older adults in Lebanon is expected to increase rapidly over the next few decades, the current healthcare workforce is unprepared to address the needs of this population. Currently, emphasis on geriatrics is lacking in medical education curricula of most universities in Lebanon, and there is a shortage of geriatricians in the country. In this paper we present specific methods of integrating geriatrics into the undergraduate medical curriculum based on the experience of medical schools in the United States. Incorporating geriatrics into the medical curriculum requires support from deans and faculty members at medical schools, as well as training of non-geriatricians to teach geriatrics within their specialty. Geriatrics training can be gradually incorporated into existing courses throughout the four years of medical school, and should consist of a holistic approach that teaches students how to diagnose, treat, and interact with older adults and their caregivers while being mindful of their psychological, physical and social wellbeing. Increasing exposure to geriatric education during medical school promises to increase interest in geriatrics, and ultimately help address the shortage of geriatricians in the country.

Consumption of energy drinks among lebanese youth: a pilot study on the prevalence and side effects.

Background:The new millennium has been together with a variety of synthetic and caffeinated high-energy drinks targeting the youth market. Energy drinks raise the level of energy and their consumption has been increased significantly worldwide.Objectives:This research aimed to determine patterns of energy drink consumption and to assess the prevalence of adverse side effects among energy drink users.Patients and Methods:A pilot cross-sectional study survey was undertaken on students aged between 13 and 30 years in private and public schools and universities in Lebanon over 5 months. A self-administered questionnaire was used inquiring about sociodemographic characteristics, consumption patterns, attitudes and beliefs about energy drinks. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17.Results:We studied 1500 students (mean age: 18.92 ± 1.85; 51.3% were males). The overall prevalence of energy drinks consumption was 63.6% (60.5% were males), among which 50.5% used alcoholic energy drinks. Respondents indicated that most consumed energy drinks were “Red Bull” and “Boom Boom” (70.9% and 51.5% respectively). In total, 64.5% of participants believed the effect of these drinks in energizing the body, and 72.7% believed that they can stimulate intellectual capacities. In addition, 29.6% of consumers experienced at least one adverse effect, where tachycardia was reported in 21.1% of cases. On the other hand, desired effects felt after consumption were mostly pleasure (33.8%). Males had a 3-time more risk of consuming such drinks compared to females (OR: 0.381, P < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.300-0.484). Additionally, this analysis demonstrated a significant association between energy drinks consumption and regions outside Beirut (OR: 1.401, P: 0.006; 95% CI: 1.103-1.781), medical field of work (OR: 0.376, P: 0.010; 95% CI: 0.179-0.790) and higher personal income (OR: 1.317, P < 0.001; 95% CI: 1.117-1.553).Conclusions:This study showed a high prevalence of energy drinks consumption among youth. The current results highlight the importance of education to prevent the consumption of energy drinks in excessive quantities and modifying some wrong perceptions regarding the benefits of energy drinks in youth.

A cross‐cultural examination of the impact of social, organisational and individual factors on educational technology acceptance between British and Lebanese university students

AbstractThis paper examines the social, organisational and individual factors that may affect students' acceptance of e‐learning systems in higher education in a cross‐cultural context. A questionnaire was developed based on an extended technology acceptance model (TAM). A total sample of 1173 university students from two private universities in Lebanon and one university in England participated in this study. After performing the satisfactory reliability and validity checks, the hypothesised model was estimated using structural equation modeling. The findings of this study revealed that perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), social norms (SNs), perceived quality of work life (QWL), computer self‐efficacy (SE) and facilitating conditions (FC) are significant determinants of behavioural intentions (BIs) and usage of e‐learning system for the Lebanese and British students. QWL, the newly added variable, was found the most important construct in explaining the causal process in the model for both samples. Differences were found between Lebanese and British students with regard to PEOU, SN, QWL, FC, SE and actual usage; however, no differences were detected in terms of PU and BI. Overall, the proposed model achieves acceptable fit and explains for 69% of the British sample and 57% of the Lebanese sample of its variance which is higher than that of the original TAM. Our findings suggest that individual, social and organisational factors are important to consider in explaining students' BI and usage of e‐learning environments.

Comparative Study of Replacing Fluorescent Lamps by CFL and LED Lamps in Schools and Universities and Its Impact on the Environment and the Economy of the Country

In countries of the third world such as Lebanon (case of this paper), the organizations, schools, institutes, universities, etc. are searching to economize as possible the price of installation of electrical systems such as light sources, equipment and other electrical devices without taking into consideration the high impact of the electrical bill for such installations and without taking into consideration the environmental impact such as the emission of the CO2, toxic gases, mercury and the high fuel cost. This mentality is widely spread in Lebanon because the majority of owners and investors want to install the cheapest materials in order to reduce as possible the investment cost without taking into consideration the future impact of such installations even if they know that these installations have bad impact on the electrical bill and the environment. In this paper, the authors will discuss the installation of Fluorescent lamps particularly in schools and Original Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(16): 2358-2381, 2014 2359 universities and how is it possible to replace these lamps by other lamps with high efficiency such as CFL and LED lamps. A comparative study is developed and the authors proposed solutions for such buildings and this study can be applied on a bigger scale for all building sectors in Lebanon. This study is the first study that compares different lighting technologies applied on a real building which is a school in Lebanon and it can be applied and generalized to all buildings in all sectors. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare different technologies used for lighting system such as fluorescent, Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), and LED installed in schools and universities in the third world especially in Lebanon and their impact on the economy of the country and the environment. This study emphasizes the important of the installation of LED technology in such buildings and its positive impact on the economy of the country and for many reasons developed in this paper. Study Design: This study is developed using the software Dialux for lighting calculation and comparison between different technologies. Place and Duration of Study: This study was made by the first author in a technical school (public school) in Hammana in Lebanon during the year 2014 using real measurements on site and using lighting software “Dialux” in order to compare different types of technologies. Methodology: Real measurements were taken for the lighting load from private generator 60kVA and from power authority (EDL) for the existing lighting system (In the public school). The first author studied the distribution of lighting points for other technologies for the same lux level in each room. The calculation of the predicted load is done and a comparative table that shows different indicators for each technology and final the study is generalized for all schools and universities in Lebanon. The generalized study shows important results on the scale of the country in which the replacement of fluorescent lamps by LED lamps is enough to close 1.5 thermal power plants of the size 35MW in Tyre (south Lebanon) and to economize 2.16% of the total power consumption on the Lebanese scale. Results: The replacement of fluorescent lamps (2x36W) by LED lamps as indicated in this paper will reduce the total power consumption on the Lebanese scale of 48.81 MW (2.16% from total power generated in Lebanon), the saved Energy is 52712.85 MWh/year, saved emission of CO2 from Fuel Oil is 35317.71 Ton of CO2/year, saved fuel consumption from private generators is 36990 liters/day (6,658,200 liters/year), saved cost of maintenance is 767,181$/year, Reduced Cost of electricity and maintenance is 8,955,141$/year, etc. Conclusion: In this paper, the first author presents a comparative study between four different types of lamps (fluorescent 2x36W, CFL of type Philips, CFL of type Arcluce, LED of type ASTRA). This study emphasize the important of doing calculation using “DIALUX” software before selecting any type of lamps even if we consider this lamp is energy-saving. Moreover we have to take into consideration many indicators which are presented in this paper before buying any type of lamps. This study is a sample that helps all investors, owners, clients... to compare many types of lamps using indicators presented in this paper before buying them. We have to take also into consideration the impact on the environment such as the emission of the CO2, toxic gases, mercury... In conclusion, the best choice of lamps in these days is the LED and of course a good quality and not of bad quality.

Predictors of poor sleep quality among Lebanese university students: association between evening typology, lifestyle behaviors, and sleep habits

Adequate, good night sleep is fundamental to well-being and is known to be influenced by myriad biological and environmental factors. Given the unavailability of sleep data about Lebanon, the cultural shifts and socioeconomic pressures that have affected many aspects of society, particularly for students and working adults, as well as our understanding of sleep in university students in other countries, we conducted a national study to assess sleep quality and factors contributing to sleep and general health in a culture-specific context. A self-filled questionnaire, inquiring about sociodemographics, health-risk behaviors, personal health, and evaluating sleep quality and chronotype using standard scales was completed by 540 students at private and public universities in Lebanon. Overall, they reported sleeping 7.95±1.34 hours per night, although 12.3% reported sleeping <6.5 hours and more than half scored in the poor-sleeper category on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Sleep timing differed markedly between weekdays and weekends, with bedtimes and wake-up times delayed by 1.51 and 2.43 hours, respectively, on weekends. While most scored in the “neither type” category on the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), 24.5% were evening types and 7.3% were morning types. MEQ score was significantly correlated with smoking behavior and daily study onset, as well as with PSQI score, with eveningness associated with greater number of cigarettes, later study times, and poor sleep. We conclude that the prevalence of poor sleep quality among Lebanese university students is associated with reduced sleep duration and shifts in sleep timing between weekdays and weekends, especially among evening types. While chronotype and certain behavioral choices interact to affect sleep dimensions and quality, raising awareness about the importance of obtaining adequate nighttime sleep on daily performance and avoiding risky behaviors may help Lebanese students make better choices in school and work schedules.

Are women engineers in Lebanon prepared for the challenges of an engineering profession?

This study investigates the status of women engineers in the Middle East, considering women engineers in Lebanon as a case study. The author investigated the following questions: What are the influences behind females’ decisions to choose engineering as their major course of study? What are the motives behind this decision? What are the perceptions of females regarding the essential skills for a successful engineering career? An online survey consisting of Likert-scale items was completed by 327 female engineers who graduated from universities in Lebanon and now work in various locations around the world. A genuine interest in the field appeared to be the main influence in the participants’ decisions to choose engineering profession. The potential for professional growth was the leading motivator for choosing engineering. Although participants reported that they possessed adequate theoretical knowledge and technical skills before graduation, in the actual practice of engineering, they noted weaknesses in creativity and innovation.

Do educational outcomes in Lebanese universities differ based on the academic model?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine differences in students' perceptions of quality and satisfaction with their educational experience among four types of higher educational models, American, French, Egyptian and Lebanese, in Lebanon.Design/methodology/approachA sample of over 200 students from each of the seven universities included in the research study were surveyed. Their perceptions were sought on a range of demonstrable performance outcomes. These outcomes include the observance of democratic practices, the effectiveness of the teaching/learning experiences, the quality of academic and non‐academic services, and relationships and destination upon graduation.FindingsThe findings indicate that universities adopting the American and French academic model, including the Lebanese university, tend to more readily involve students in institutional decision making at both the academic and non‐academic levels in comparison to the university following the Egyptian academic model encouraging democratic practice among youth. Despite the considerable differences among the various institutional types in the philosophy of education, the perceptions of the purposes of higher education and the pedagogical approaches they adopt, students generally expressed satisfaction in the quality of their university education.Research limitations/implicationsWith the continuous establishment of universities in Lebanon and the region following different academic models, the research findings may serve to inform policy makers and academic leaders of students' perceptions of quality and satisfaction.Originality/valueNo such comparative study has been conducted to determine the satisfaction of students with their overall higher education experience in Lebanon and the region.

Academic Dishonesty in the Middle East: Individual and Contextual Factors

Little work has been done on academic dishonesty in the Middle East. This research investigates the nature of the relationship between contextual factors and academic dishonesty using a sample from three private universities in Lebanon, and compares the results to a sample from seven large universities in the US. Using the basic model of McCabe et al. (Research in Higher Education 43(3):357–378, 2002), we found additional evidence for the strong role perception of peers’ behavior plays in understanding student decisions concerning academic integrity. Cross cultural comparisons of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding academic dishonesty were pivotal in this research. Our results support the view that Lebanese university students are strongly influenced by the norms of the collectivist society in which they are raised as compared to the more individualistic society found in the United States.

Does Subjective Class Predict the Causal Attribution for Poverty?

This study investigated the attributions for poverty among secondary school and university students in relation to socio-economic. The questionnaire was adapted from Feagin's[1] and Abouchedid & Nasser[2], and included 15-item poverty questionnaire. It was administered to a sample (n = 242) of secondary school and university students from public and private schools and universities in Lebanon. Findings showed that Lebanese youth were more inclined to attribute poverty to structural factors. Socioeconomic variable of parents' education was the only significant predictors for the causal attribution for poverty. Research in this area should extend to relate stereotypes and various socio-economic attitudes as liberalism or conservatism and their relation to attribution for poverty.

Job-seeking behaviour and job outcomes among Lebanese university graduates in private and public universities

This study, based on a questionnaire administered to graduates of private and public universities in Lebanon (N = 652), links job procurement to job satisfaction and occupational attainment. Significant differences in job procurement methods are found between male and female graduates and between graduates from private versus public universities. Job satisfaction is only affected by the job procurement method. The level of occupational attainment is affected by gender and job procurement method.

University students’ beliefs about learning English and French in Lebanon

This study explored the beliefs about language learning of Lebanese English as a Foreign Language university students, compared their beliefs about learning different target languages, namely, English and French, and investigated within-group variation in these students’ beliefs. A modified version of Horwitz’s “Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory” was administered to 284 students in three universities in Lebanon. Findings revealed that the students hold a variety of beliefs about learning English and French, many of which seem to be related to the political and socio-cultural context of foreign language education in Lebanon. Notably, the students’ beliefs about the difficulty of language learning and their motivations for learning English and French seem to be especially contextualized in the Lebanese language learning situation. The students viewed English as an easy language and French as a difficult one and, consistent with a popular belief held in Lebanon, agreed that it is “easier” to learn French before learning English. In addition, most students revealed strong instrumental motivations for learning English and agreed that it is more important to learn English than French. Finally, statistically significant differences in the students’ beliefs were found related to variables such as language-medium educational background and gender.

Graduates' perception of university training in light of occupational attainment and university type

Purpose – The study examines the level of satisfaction amongst Lebanese university graduates on their training/education in light of their current occupational level.Design/methodology/approach – Focus groups were interviewed to understand factors that helped graduates in their occupation. These factors were turned into a Likert‐scale questionnaire in which a large sample (n=604) of university graduates from public and private universities in Lebanon were asked to report the utility of their university education and training required for their current job.Findings – Findings showed that graduates from private universities documented greater satisfaction in their education and training, especially in the fields of engineering, medicine, and information science, than did graduates from the public sector of higher education. Graduates in the low occupational status category perceived university education as important in the performance of their occupation.Research limitations/implications – The study was int...