The landscape of higher education is continuously evolving, with online learning emerging as a prominent educational modality. This cross-sectional study, conducted at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in Lebanon from January to October 2023, aimed to assess Lebanese students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of online learning as a mode of education and to develop strategies and recommendations for enhancing online learning in Lebanon. Using a convenience-sampling method, we collected 309 responses, focusing on educators’ preparedness, student satisfaction, adaptability in online learning, and preferences for future learning modalities. The results highlighted a pressing demand for innovative course design strategies that promote engagement and interactivity, with 41.4% of respondents expressing this need. Additionally, 34.6% of learners emphasized the need for accessible technical support. Furthermore, 38.8% of participants underscored the necessity of comprehensive training programs for educators and learners in navigating online learning environments effectively. Moreover, the preference for online or hybrid learning models (55%) emphasized the importance of flexibility while preserving the value of in-person interactions. The study also highlighted the potential of educational advances to further enhance online learning environments. These technologies could provide opportunities for personalized learning experiences, tailoring course content, delivery methods, and assessments to meet the diverse needs of students, thus fostering a more adaptable and inclusive learning ecosystem. These insights are crucial for refining online education strategies and addressing the evolving needs of students in Lebanon.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a major public health concern due to its rapidly rising incidence over the past few years. Disturbances in folate or methionine metabolism have been identified in many individuals with ASD, suggesting that the folate–methionine cycle may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of autism. Thus, changes in metabolite concentrations associated with this cycle could be used as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ASD. The aim of this systematic review is to elucidate the perturbations of this cycle and the possible interventions that may be proposed in this context. Several studies have shown that high levels of homocysteine and low levels of vitamins B12 and folate are associated with ASD. These changes in serum metabolites are influenced by poor diet. In fact, children with ASD tend to eat selectively, which could compromise the quality of their diet and result in nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, these disturbances may also be caused by genetic predispositions such as polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene. Few studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of the use of nutritional supplements in treating ASD children. Therefore, larger, well-structured studies are recommended to examine the impact of vitamin B12 and folate supplementation on homocysteine levels.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit restrictive and repetitive behaviors that affect their eating habits. The purpose of this study is to identify the behavioral feeding problems and eating habits among ASD children compared to typically developed (TD) children age/gender-matched controls, along with their parents’/caregivers’ strategies for dealing with them. It included 43 ASD children and 43 TD children aged two to eleven years. The analysis was performed based on two valid questionnaires: the Behavior Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFA) and “My Child Eating Habits” (MCEH). The BPFA and MCEH scores conceded three manifestations that fall into food selectivity and problematic mealtime behavior in both groups of children. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited higher BPFA scores, which indicated food-related behavioral and skill-based problems (p = 0.004). Children with ASD were less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and milk than TD children, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.010, respectively). Parents of ASD children were concerned about their behavioral problems and expressed their intention of an early intervention. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional clinical routines that incorporate the evaluation of the nutritional status and feeding behaviors of ASD children.

The daily functioning and overall well-being of people with ASD depends largely on understanding how the wider public views ASD. Indeed, an increased level of ASD knowledge in the general population may result in earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention, and better overall outcomes. The present study aimed to examine the current state of ASD knowledge, beliefs, and sources of information in a Lebanese general population sample, to identify the factors that could influence this knowledge. A total of 500 participants were involved in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Lebanon between May 2022 and August 2022 using the Autism Spectrum Knowledge scale, General Population version (ASKSG). Overall, the participants’ understanding of autism spectrum disorder was low, with a mean score of 13.8 (6.69) out of 32, or 43.1%. The highest knowledge score was found for items related to knowledge of the symptoms and associated behaviors (52%). However, the level of knowledge regarding the etiology and prevalence, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and prognosis of the disease was low (29%, 39.2%, 46%, and 43.4%, respectively). Moreover, age, gender, place of residence, sources of information, and ASD case were all statistically significant predictors of ASD knowledge (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The general public in Lebanon perceive a lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge regarding ASD. This results in delayed identification and intervention, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes in patients. Raising awareness about autism among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals should be a top priority.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors, causes impairments across various life domains and substantial social and economic burden. Identifying correlates to prevent its onset and decrease its incidence is crucial. To our knowledge, our study represents the first case–control investigation of Lebanese ADHD patients to explore potential correlations between familial, maternal, and child health variables and ADHD to enhance understanding of its etiology and aid in prevention efforts. We recruited 61 Lebanese ADHD patients and 58 matched controls aged 6–24 years from all districts of Lebanon. The data to analyze were collected using a questionnaire. We employed statistical tests, including the independent samples t-test and the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the statistically significant factors explaining ADHD likelihood. We observed male predominance (68.9%) among patients. Maternal anemia during pregnancy (OR = 3.654; 95% CI [1.158–11.529]), maternal self-reported stress during pregnancy (OR = 3.268; 95% CI [1.263–8.456]), neonatal jaundice (OR = 5.020; 95% CI [1.438–17.532]), and familial history of ADHD (OR = 12.033; 95% CI [2.950–49.072]) were significantly associated with increased odds of the disorder. On the other hand, breastfeeding (OR = 0.263; 95% CI [0.092–0.757]) was identified as a protective factor against ADHD. This pilot study shed light on risk and protective factors associated with ADHD in the Lebanese population. The results are relevant, as some identified correlates could be avoidable. Further rigorous investigation is required to expand upon the observed correlations and to assist in early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies targeting ADHD.

The occurrence of overweight and obesity among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a worldwide epidemic. However, there is limited research on this topic in the Lebanese population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the differences in anthropometric measurements and body composition variables among Lebanese children, pre-adolescents, and adolescents diagnosed with ASD in contrast to typically developing peers across various developmental stages. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity within this population. A total of 86 participants with ASD and 86 controls were involved in this case–control study, conducted between June 2022 and June 2023. Anthropometric measurements and body composition variables were assessed, followed by statistical analyses to examine the differences between these two groups. The results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals with ASD, particularly evident during childhood and pre-adolescence. Additionally, this group exhibited a higher body fat mass and total body fat percentage compared to controls. However, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups during adolescence. These findings emphasize the significance of monitoring and addressing weight status in individuals with ASD to improve their overall health outcomes. Future research directions could focus on investigating the underlying mechanisms contributing to the heightened prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and well-being.