Smartphone Screen Time Among University Students in Lebanon and Its Association With Insomnia, Bedtime Procrastination, and Body Mass Index During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#An online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. @*Results@#Among female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.

Factorial Validity of the Arabic Version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Items (SAVE-6) Scale among the General Population in Lebanon

This study explored the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scale for assessing people's anxiety in response to the viral epidemic in Lebanon. The 406 participants responded voluntarily to the online survey that included the SAVE-6, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tools. The single-structure SAVE-6 model showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.773). The SAVE-6 scale also showed good convergent validity with the GAD-7 (Spearman's ρ = 0.42, P < 0.001) and PHQ-9 (ρ = 0.38, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an Arabic SAVE-6 cut-off score of 12 points (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.753; sensitivity = 62.74%; specificity = 78.26%) for an at least mild degree of anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 5). The Arabic version of the SAVE-6 was a reliable, valid, and solely usable scale for measuring the anxiety response of the general population to the viral epidemic.

Smartphone Screen Time Among University Students in Lebanon and Its Association With Insomnia, Bedtime Procrastination, and Body Mass Index During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#An online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. @*Results@#Among female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.

Factorial Validity of the Arabic Version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Items (SAVE-6) Scale among the General Population in Lebanon

This study explored the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scale for assessing people's anxiety in response to the viral epidemic in Lebanon. The 406 participants responded voluntarily to the online survey that included the SAVE-6, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tools. The single-structure SAVE-6 model showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.773). The SAVE-6 scale also showed good convergent validity with the GAD-7 (Spearman's ρ = 0.42, P < 0.001) and PHQ-9 (ρ = 0.38, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an Arabic SAVE-6 cut-off score of 12 points (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.753; sensitivity = 62.74%; specificity = 78.26%) for an at least mild degree of anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 5). The Arabic version of the SAVE-6 was a reliable, valid, and solely usable scale for measuring the anxiety response of the general population to the viral epidemic.

Early morbidity and mortality after retroperitoneal repair of the abdominal aorta with modification of the patient's position

Repair of the abdominal aorta is a major procedure that has a considerable morbidity and mortality. Efforts are exerted to reduce this operative risk, one of which is the surgical approach of the Aorta. This study was carried out to evaluate the retroperitoneal approach regarding morbidity and mortality during the operation and for 30 days afterward and to evaluate the accessibility of this approach while the patient in supine. Nineteen patients with a mean age of 65.5 years were admitted for the repair of Abdominal Aorta between March 2004 and March 2006. To repair the Aorta of these patients it was approached retroperitonealy, using the standard technique with modification of the patient's position. Operative and post-operative data were measured and compared to the literature. Mean operative time, intra-operative fluid replacement and ICU stays were less compared to the transperitoneal approach. Normal intestinal sounds were regained after 2 days in most of the patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.7 days with no mortality. This study supports that retroperitoneal approach has early morbidity and mortality that is comparable to the accepted rate of complications in literatures. This approach provides a convenient exposure to treat different anatomical lesion of the distal Aorta and iliac arteries, when we operate with the patient in the neutrally supine position

Arteriovenous malformation, complications, and perioperative anesthetic management

Arteriovenous malformations [AVMs] are the most common intracranial vascular malformation, with an estimated occurrence of 1:5000-1:2000 persons. The repair requires careful embolization, often followed by stereotactic radiosurgery and can also include open craniotomy. Preoperatively, patients may be healthy or dramatically unstable, as 30-50% of these cases present with acute cerebral hemorrhage. One of the most important considerations for the anesthesiologist should be attempting to achieve hemodynamic stability in the face of potential increased intracranial pressure and subsequent vulnerability of the tissues to ischemic insult. Knowledge of the risks and hazards of the procedure and collaboration with specialists, including neuroradiologists, critical care physicians, and potentially neurosurgeons, ultimately form the basis for appropriate management. AVM's can lead to potentially fatal ischemic or hemorrhagic complications that may occur in up to 8% of cases. The protection of the airway, adequate monitoring, and maintaining cardiovascular and neurological stability, are critical. Further, in the setting of a radiological suite, peripheral location considerations involving equipment, monitors, and appropriate drugs and sustaining the patient's immobility during the radiological procedures, while managing potential perioperative complications are all essential

Retro-peritoneal versus trans-peritoneal approaches in elective abdominal aortic surgery in Suez Canal University Hospital

In the era of rapidly changing surgical techniques toward safety and more cost effectiveness, retroperitoneal approach for aortic surgery is gaining popularity. This study aimed at evaluating the antero-lateral retroperitoneal approach in elective aortic surgical procedures versus the standard trans-peritoneal approach in the setting of the Suez Canal University Hospital. Since 2001 the retroperitoneal approach for aortic surgery had been introduced in the Suez Canal University Hospital. The current retrospective study was conducted in the period between 1995 and 2005. All patients had elective aortic surgery either by retro or trans-peritoneal approaches were in the study. Preoperative parameters, intra and postoperative variables, morbidity and mortality were compared in between both groups. Ninety two patients were included in two study groups. Demographic and preoperative parameters were nearly matched. The only statistically significant differences between both groups were found in some of the intra and postoperative variables. No statistically significant differences were found regarding either fatal or non-fatal complications. Both trans-peritoneal and retroperitoneal approaches are comparable to each other according to surgical expertise of the operating surgical team. With increasing experience with the retroperitoneal approach, it would be a preferable option to be chosen for performing aortic procedures