The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic pushed almost all institutions to adopt online and virtual education. The uncertainty of this situation produced various questions that perplexed educationists regarding what implications the pandemic would have on educational institutions, especially regarding how the switch to online education would impact the behavior and performance of students. The vast importance of this matter attracted the attention of researchers and served as the motivation for this research, which aims to resolve this confusion by studying the use of mobile learning (ML) among students for educational purposes during the COVID-19 period. This study also examines how this situation has affected student learning behavior (LB) and performance (SP) in the higher education setting. This research is based on collaborative learning theory, sociocultural learning theory, and ML theory. This quantitative research employed the convenient sampling technique to collect data through structured questionnaires distributed to 396 students of higher education institutions who carry a mobile device. This study used descriptive and inferential statistics to make the data more meaningful. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS software was used for hypothesis testing. The results showed that ML was a significant and positive predictor of SP and LB. Moreover, student LB partially mediated the relationship between ML and SP. The findings suggest that the academic performance of students can be enhanced by building a ML environment that aligns with the LB of students. Nevertheless, content suitable for ML must be developed, and future research should be conducted on this topic.

Background:Studies have shown an association between parental anxiety and depression, and caretaking of children with developmental cognitive delays. There is little data in developing countries, such as Pakistan, concerning the impact of raising children with Mental Retardation, upon the quality of parent functioning and risk for psychopathology.Objective:To evaluate for anxiety and depression among parents of children with Mental Retardation (MR).Methods:This was a prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Participants were 198 parents (99 fathers/99 mothers) of 100 children with the diagnosis of MR. The parents were assess for anxiety and depression using DSM IV criteria. Informed consent was obtained. The study was approved by the Institutional Research Committee.Results:Significantly high proportion (p-value = 0.024) of mothers (89%) had anxiety, depression or both anxiety and depression together as compared to fathers (77%). Among mothers, 35% met criteria for anxiety, 40% for depression and 13% for both anxiety and depression. Among fathers 42% had anxiety, 31% depression and 3% both anxiety and depression. There was a significant association (Pvalue = 0.027) between gender of parent and individual psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety, depression and anxiety and depression together. A significant association (pvalue = < 0.043) was also found between mother's anxiety, depression or both and degree of mental retardation of their children.Conclusions:Parents of children with MR are at higher risk for anxiety, depression or both, needing mental health assessment.There was correlation between mother's anxiety, depression or both and level of MR among children.

IntroductionStudies have shown an association between parental distress and caretaking of children with cognitive delays. There is little data in developing countries, such as Pakistan, concerning the impact of raising children with Mental Retardation, upon the quality of parent functioning and risk for psychopathology.ObjectiveTo assess the level of distress and risk for psychopathology among parents of children with Mental Retardation (MR).MethodsThis was prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Participants were 200 parents (100 fathers/100 mothers) of 100 children with the diagnosis of MR. Parents were administered Self Report Questionnaire 20 (SRQ 20) and the Quality of Life BREF (QOL BREF).ResultsMean age for mothers was 40.2 years while fathers was 42.9 years. The mean age of children was 10.5 years (30% females/70% males) with 25% mild MR, 42% moderate MR, 20% severe MR and 13% profound MR. On SRQ 20, 25% mothers and 43% fathers scored above the cut off indicating possible psychiatric disorder. Mean QOL domain scores were for mothers (M) and fathers (F): M 13.2/ F 13.9 for physical health; M13.1 / F 13.7 for psychological health; M 13.9 / F 13.9 for social relationships, M 13.4 / F 14.8 for environment.ConclusionsParents of children with MR are at higher risk for psychopathology, needing mental health assessment.Fathers scores on the SRQ reflect more distress and psychiatric symptoms than mothers SRQ scores.Limitations include lack of comparison group and small sample size.

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Objective: To review literature on the impact of stigmatisation and perceived social support on the treatment of substance use disorder patients. Methods: The systematic review was conducted from March 2020 to June 2021, and comprised literature search through key words on PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Full Free PDF, and Google Scholar databases of studies about stigma, social support and treatment of substance use disorders published in English language between 2010 and 2021. Results: Of the 52 studies found, 8(15.3%) qualified for detailed review. The outcome suggested that the impact of stigma had negative consequences on the treatment of substance use disorders, and negative comments from close relatives was a major cause of relapse. In contrast, perceived social support had a constructive impact on the treatment of substance use disorders. Conclusion: Further research is required to understand the phenomenon of stigmatisation in the Pakistani population through validated tools. Key Words: Stigmatisation, Perceived social support, Treatment, Relapse, SUD.