Artificial Intelligence: Knowledge and Attitude Among Lebanese Medical Students.

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken on a variety of functions in the medical field, and research has proven that it can address complicated issues in various applications. It is unknown whether Lebanese medical students and residents have a detailed understanding of this concept, and little is known about their attitudes toward AI. Aim This study fills a critical gap by revealing the knowledge and attitude of Lebanese medical students toward AI. Methods A multi-centric survey targeting 365 medical students from seven medical schools across Lebanon was conducted to assess their knowledge of and attitudes toward AI in medicine. The survey consists of five sections: the first part includes socio-demographic variables, while the second comprises the 'Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale' for medical students. The third part focuses on attitudes toward AI in medicine, the fourth assesses understanding of deep learning, and the fifth targets considerations of radiology as a specialization. Results There is a notable awareness of AI among students who are eager to learn about it. Despite this interest, there exists a gap in knowledge regarding deep learning, albeit alongside a positive attitude towards it. Students who are more open to embracing AI technology tend to have a better understanding of AI concepts (p=0.001). Additionally, a higher percentage of students from Mount Lebanon (71.6%) showed an inclination towards using AI compared to Beirut (63.2%) (p=0.03). Noteworthy are the Lebanese University and Saint Joseph University, where the highest proportions of students are willing to integrate AI into the medical field (79.4% and 76.7%, respectively; p=0.001). Conclusion It was concluded that most Lebanese medical students might not necessarily comprehend the core technological ideas of AI and deep learning. This lack of understanding was evident from the substantial amount of misinformation among the students. Consequently, there appears to be a significant demand for the inclusion of AI technologies in Lebanese medical school courses.

Knowledge and attitude towards monkeypox among the Lebanese population and their attitude towards vaccination.

Introduction: Monkeypox is a currently re-emerging disease in the world and several cases have been detected in Lebanon. For this reason, an assessment of the knowledge and attitude of the Lebanese population towards monkeypox and smallpox or monkeypox vaccines had to be done. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire developed from previous literature among a sample of Lebanese residents. It recorded the sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of the participants and analyzed the patterns of knowledge and attitudes in Lebanon. Results: Among 493 participants, it was found that there is a generally low knowledge of and an average attitude toward monkeypox. However, knowledge is better with higher educational levels, COVID-19 vaccination, and residency in the south of Lebanon and poorer with marriage and residency in Beirut. Attitude is better in females but poorer with higher educational levels. Several other effectors have been devised too. As for vaccination, taking the smallpox vaccine as a proactive measure is predicted with previous COVID-19 vaccination and better attitude but not in the residents of the north of Lebanon and married Lebanese residents. Higher educational levels and a better attitude were positive predictions of taking the monkeypox vaccine whenever it is developed. Conclusion: This study revealed low level of knowledge and attitude towards monkeypox and its vaccines, which can be a rich resource when proactive measures are developed.

Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) among the Lebanese University students: associated risk factors and repercussion on mental health.

Introduction: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological illness characterized by persistent and intrusive preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BDD and investigate its association with mental health status (depression and anxiety), religiosity, eating disorder risk, and self-esteem among Lebanese University students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020, involving students from the Lebanese University. Data were collected using the dysmorphic concern questionnaire (DCQ), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE), religiosity scale, patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder assessment (GAD-7), Eating Attitude test-26 scale (EAT-26). Results: A total of 6,448 participants were enrolled in our study. The overall prevalence of BDD among university students was (6.4%).Our results showed that Lebanese students with BDD were more likely to have anxiety ORadj 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2-1.7) p-value 0.001, depression ORadj 1.2 (95% CI: 1.15-1.5) p-value 0.007, and eating disorder (Bulimia & Food preoccupation ORadj 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.2) p-value 0.0, and oral control ORadj 1.09 (95% CI: 1.05-1.1) p-value < 0.001) compared to those with no BDD. We also found that students with BDD had Lower Self-esteem ORadj 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78-0.9) p-value < 0.001), and less likely to be religious ORadj 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.9) p-value 0.02) compared to those with no BDD. Conclusions: This pioneering study sheds light on the prevalence of BDD among Lebanese university students and its associated factors. Our findings underscore the importance of early detection of BDD during adolescence and young adulthood, necessitating timely psychological intervention to prevent chronicity and complications.

Lebanese University Students and COVID-19: A Survey on their Related-Knowledge, Practice, and Behaviors.

Introduction: Young adults are at the epicenter for preventing the progression of COVID-19 pandemic and must be targeted for education to impede any potential transmission of the disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice and behaviors of Lebanese university students regarding COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among university students at the Lebanese University between March 30, 2020, and April 4, 2020. Information on socio-demographic data, knowledge, practice, and additional information concerning COVID-19 were collected. Results: Our survey showed that the majority of the students had good knowledge 90.8%, and more than two third of the respondents 78.6% reported good practice regarding COVID-19. Graduate students were more knowledgeable compared to undergraduate students (unstandardized beta 0.349 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.165 to 0.533; p-value < 0.0001). Moreover, male students had a negative impact on good practice compared to females (unstandardized beta -0.280 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of -0.402 to -0.159; p-value < 0.0001). Nearly half of the students (55.2%) reported that their food intake has increased, and 82.5% of the students didn't practice sport during the quarantine. The most common information source of the students was the television (63.3%) followed by social media (53.9%). Conclusions: This study offers useful insights into the knowledge and practices of Lebanese university students towards COVID-19. Our findings support the importance to deliver health education campaign by the ministry of public health through television and social media to improve the knowledge on disease transmission and preventive measures.