The Current Status of Applying E-Learning Quality Standards from the Perspective of Faculty Members at Arab American University

The study aimed to identify the current status of applying e-learning quality standards at the Arab American University from the point of view of faculty members, and to what extent average means differ according to the different demographic variables. To achieve this, the descriptive analytical method was used, and (211) members were randomly selected, who represented (45.4%) of the study population (465) faculty members working at the Arab American university. A questionnaire consisting of (39) items covering (3) dimensions (the lecturer’s role in using e-learning system, the quality of e-learning system, the role of the university administration in the quality of e-learning system) was used after testing its validity and reliability. After the descriptive statistical analysis, the results showed that the average means of the study sample towards the current status of applying the quality standards of e-learning at the university received a high degree. There were also statistically significant differences in the gender variable in favor of females; in qualification in favor of PhD holders; and in experience in favor of (more than 10 years). The study concluded with a number of recommendations, including developing and innovating new methods of evaluation suitable for the e-learning system, providing all kinds of support to faculty members, and relieving the psychological stress faced during the e-learning process.

567. Reasons for Deferral of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Arab American Healthcare Professionals Living in the United States

Background The WHO identified the three most common reasons for worldwide vaccine hesitancy to be safety concerns, lack of knowledge and awareness, and religion and cultural issues. There is limited information on this topic among Arab Americans, a rapidly growing demographic in the US. We sought to determine the reasons for deferral of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine amongst Arab American health professionals living in the US. Methods This was a cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous online survey. The survey was distributed via e-mail to National Arab American Medical Association members and Arab-American Center for Economic and Social Services healthcare employees. Respondents were considered vaccine hesitant if they selected responses other than a willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Results A total of 4,000 surveys were sent via e-mail from December 28 2020 to January 31 2021. The highest group of respondents were between the ages of 18-29 years and physicians constituted 48% of the respondents. Among 515 respondents, 41.9% (n=216) would receive the vaccine within one month of it becoming available to them, and 30.2% (n=156) had already received a vaccine. Among those who would defer the vaccine, 9.3% (n=48) would receive it within 1-3 months, 5.6% (n=29) within 3-6 months and 6.6% (n=34) after over 6 months or longer. 6.2% (n=32) would not receive the vaccine. The three most commonly reported reasons for deferral of vaccine among 75 vaccine hesitant respondents were: “I am worried about the side effects” (65.3%), “I am worried the vaccine moved through clinical trials too fast (54.7%), and “There is no information about long term side effects of the vaccine” (52%). Data indicate that about a quarter of respondents also expressed distrust of the government and the pharmaceutical industry. The results are summarized in table 1. Conclusion Reasons cited by this sample of Arab Americans for deferring the COVID-19 vaccine mirror more general concerns about vaccine side effects and need for information. Concerns about clinical trial procedures and distrust have become more prevalent with COVID-19. This data can help inform COVID-19 vaccine advocacy efforts among health care providers, and thus could have substantial impact on vaccine attitudes of the general population. Disclosures Marcus Zervos, MD, contrafect (Advisor or Review Panel member)janssen (Grant/Research Support)merck (Grant/Research Support)moderna (Grant/Research Support)pfizer (Grant/Research Support)serono (Grant/Research Support)