Social Stigma Toward Individuals with Schizophrenia in a Lebanese Population.

Background: Schizophrenia has been recognized as the most stigmatized mental disorder, imposing a substantial burden on affected individuals. However, no prior studies have investigated social stigma toward individuals with schizophrenia in Lebanon. Purpose: We aimed to examine three components of social stigma including knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward individuals with schizophrenia in a Lebanese population and to explore associated factors with the level of social stigma. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered, and data from 469 participants were gathered from January 31, 2023, to February 18, 2023. We used previously validated questionnaires to assess the knowledge, attitude (Social Distance Scale), and behavior (Reported and Intended Behavior Scale) of participants toward individuals with schizophrenia. The score for each section was calculated and used to explore the associations between sociodemographic factors and the levels of stigma in each domain. Results: The study participants had a moderate understanding of schizophrenia. However, a substantial proportion showed negative attitudes and unfavorable behaviors toward individuals with schizophrenia. We identified several sociodemographic factors associated with the knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores. Notably, a higher knowledge score and more positive attitudes were positively correlated with improved intended behaviors. Conclusion: This study highlights the pervasive stigma encompassing issues in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior surrounding schizophrenia in a Lebanese population. Our study suggests a pressing need for targeted interventions to increase public awareness and decrease the social stigma of schizophrenia in Lebanon.

Effect of Screen Time on Physical and Mental Health and Eating Habits During COVID-19 Lockdown in Lebanon.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore whether screen time and the screen type impacted various health aspects of children, including physical activity (PA), sleep quality, and eating habits. Additionally, we investigated whether children's eating behavior while using electronic devices affects their physical and mental health. METHODS: We conducted an online survey asking for screen use (duration, type, and purpose), PA, eating habits, sleep problems, and level of depression. The participants were children between the ages of 3 and 7 years, and the survey was answered by the participants' parents from March 3 to March 20, 2021. RESULTS: A screen time of ≥2 h in children was associated with various clinical characteristics, such as body mass index (BMI), sleep problems, depression, decreased PA, and unusual eating habits. Children's food eating behavior while using electronic devices was predicted by a total screen time ≥2 h, smartphone screen time ≥2 h, sleep problems, owning electronic devices, and eating unhealthy food. CONCLUSION: There was an interplay among children's PAs, eating behaviors, depression, sleep problems, and screen time in this pandemic era. Therefore, guiding children on the correct use of electronic devices and helping them eat healthy are paramount during this COVID-19 pandemic.