ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: The viral agent of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. this may negatively affect students' mental health who have to maintain their learning efforts. Therefore, we aimed to assess students' perceptions of the online learning programs designed for university students in Arab countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on university students using a self-administered online questionnaire in 15 Arab countries, including 6779 participants. The actual sample size was calculated using the EpiInfo program calculator. The validated, piloted questionnaire assessed the effectiveness of internet-based distance learning applications used in these countries during the pandemic. The SPSS version 22 was used. Results: Among the 6779 participants, 26.2% believed that their teachers diversify learning methods, 22.0% thought that their teachers were able to treat the weakness the students have, and 30.7% agreed that their teachers efficiently communicate with them through COVID-19 internet-based learning process. Around 33% of students participated in lectures effectively, 47.4% submitted their homework within accepted deadlines, and 28.6% thought that their colleagues did not cheat during exams and homework. Around 31.3% of students believed that online-based learning had a role in directing them towards research, and 29.9% and 28.9%, respectively, believed that online learning had a role in developing analytical thinking and synthesis skills. Participants reported many suggestions to enhance the process of internet-based distance learning in the future. Conclusion: Our study suggests that online-based distance learning in Arab countries still needs more improvement as students still are more inclined toward face-to-face teaching. However, exploring the factors that influence students' perceptions of e-learning is vital for improving the quality of online-based distance learning. We recommend exploring the perceptions of educators regarding their experience towards online-based distance learning during COVID-19 lockdown.
ABSTRACT
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children typically presents with nonspecific manifestations such as fever, fatigue, lethargy, joint and bone pain, and bleeding diathesis. Ascites and pleural effusion as an initial presentation of ALL, although described, is exceedingly rare. However, this unusual initial presentation becomes much rarer in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) setting. Herein, we aim to highlight such a rare initial presentation of childhood ALL that warrants clinical attention. Case Presentation: Two months following a COVID-19 infection, a 3-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with severe abdominal distention associated with occasional dyspnea. Physical assessment revealed a critically ill and pale patient with a distended abdomen and decreased air entry on the right side of the chest. Laboratory testing showed pancytopenia. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of massive ascites and pleural effusion. Bone marrow aspiration revealed CD10-positive pre-B-cell ALL. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and achieved complete remission. Conclusion: Rare manifestations of relatively common diseases create a barrier to prompt and effective detection and medical intervention. Although ascites and pleural effusion are rare conditions in ALL children patients, the occurrence of these pathologies in this particular patient, especially following COVID-19 infection, is an exceedingly rare event.