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Background After the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease pandemic, Saudi Arabia implemented lockdown restrictions to counter this infection and prevent its spread. There have been a lot of challenges to the majority of people, especially diabetic patients, which might result in an increased risk of developing complications and significant lifestyle changes, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and psychological distress. Objective This study aims to assess the impact of coronavirus disease lockdown on children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) mellitus in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study which was conducted in pediatric patients, aged ≤18 years old, with type I diabetes, who were attending the endocrine clinic at the King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. A total of 250 patients were identified from the hospital databases, a total of 164 patients were included in the study, and one of the parents/guardians was interviewed through mobile phone after taking their consent. Results The medication compliance during the lockdown has significantly increased as the percentage of children who did not miss any dose of medications increased to 92.7% in comparison to 70.7% before the lockdown (P=0.000). Also, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-related intensive care unit admission had significantly decreased during the lockdown (P=0.001). Regarding the number of consumed meals, it increased from 53.7% up to 68.3% before and during the lockdown period, respectively (P=0.005). In addition, there was no significant change in children's psychological health during the lockdown period (p= 0.123). Conclusion The study indicates that there was an increase in compliance to medications, a significant decrease in intensive care unit and emergency department admission due to hypo/hyperglycemia during the lockdown period. Medical practitioners are encouraged to educate diabetic patients regarding the importance of self-blood glucose monitoring, healthy lifestyle, psychological wellbeing, and regular follow-up through virtual clinics.
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PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aims at identifying the predominant learning approaches by Saudi medical students across Saudi Arabia and assess its possible associations with sociodemographic and educational characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students questionnaire. The questionnaire gives rise to three possible learning approaches; deep, strategic and surface approaches. Bivariate analyses were performed through independent samples t-test and χ2 tests where appropriate. A multinominal regression analysis was performed to obtain risk estimates and 95% CIs. RESULTS: A total of 3767 students participated and were included in the analysis. The predominant learning approach was the deep approach, followed by the strategic and surface approaches (40.59%, 37.81% and 21.60%, respectively). Males and students belonging to private medical schools were more likely to adopt a strategic rather than a deep one (relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.42 and RRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.65, respectively). Students with an A grade point average (GPA) were less likely to adopt a surface approach, whereas those with a C GPA were more likely to adopt it (RRR=0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.83 and RRR=1.29, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.61, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings from this study show that medical students predominantly favour the deep learning approach. Results from this study encourage the continuous adaptation of clinical teaching in medical schools to optimise students' learning experiences.