BioMedica |

Original Article

Published: Jun 25, 2025 | Pages: 14 - 14 | DOI: 10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623

Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan

Authors: Saima Mehmood , Ibtisam Qazi , Danish Abdul Aziz , Farah Naz Qamar

Article Info

Authors

Saima Mehmood

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

ORCID

Ibtisam Qazi

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Danish Abdul Aziz

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Farah Naz Qamar

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Publication History

Received: January 22, 2025

Accepted: June 01, 2025

Published: June 25, 2025

Abstract

Background and Objective: To determine the enablers and barriers of online learning in adolescents visiting secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (September 2022-February 2023) in pediatric outpatient clinics of two secondary and one tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 370 children aged 11-17 years, enrolled in school or hybrid/online learning programs and proficient in Urdu or English, were recruited. Children with physical or mental disabilities affecting online tool use were excluded. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire in Urdu/English covering socio-demographics, online learning experience, technical skills, equipment availability, and learning behaviors. Responses on enablers and barriers were recorded using a 3-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed in SPSS v21, reporting frequencies and percentages for all variables.

Results: The study showed that students were having 5-6 hours of online schooling every day (195, 52.7%). Enabling factors included frequent class participation (200, 54.1%), finding online teaching software easy to use (327, 88.4%), having sufficient technological skills (315, 85.1%), getting sufficient technological assistance from teachers (270, 73.0%), good internet connection (219, 59.2%), backup electricity (255, 68.9%), the availability of a backup device (307, 83.0%), availability of a family member for assistance in understanding a lesson (287, 77.6%), and addressing any disruptions during online classes (304, 82.2%). Factors that were identified as barriers to online learning included fatigue/sleepiness (249, 67.3%), back or neck pain (203, 54.9%), headaches (180, 48.5%), struggling to concentrate
during lessons (225, 60.8%), and feeling distracted (170, 45.9%) during online classes.

Conclusion: A conducive and supportive home environment and online learning space, coupled with adequate technology and IT skills, were found to be the major enablers of online learning. Major barriers identified were feeling distracted, neck or back pain, fatigue, sleepiness, headaches and a feeling of disconnection from their teachers and peers.

Keywords: Adolescents, online learning, classroom-based learning, enablers, barriers.

Pubmed Style

Saima Mehmood, Ibtisam Qazi, Danish Abdul Aziz, Farah Naz Qamar. Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. BioMedica. 2025; 25 (June 2025): 14-14. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623

Web Style

Saima Mehmood, Ibtisam Qazi, Danish Abdul Aziz, Farah Naz Qamar. Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. https://biomedicapk.com/articles/1623 [Access: August 31, 2025]. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Saima Mehmood, Ibtisam Qazi, Danish Abdul Aziz, Farah Naz Qamar. Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. BioMedica. (2025), [cited August 31, 2025]; 25 (June 2025): 14-14. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623

Harvard Style

Saima Mehmood, Ibtisam Qazi, Danish Abdul Aziz, Farah Naz Qamar (2025) Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. BioMedica, 25 (June 2025): 14-14. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623

Chicago Style

Saima Mehmood, Ibtisam Qazi, Danish Abdul Aziz, Farah Naz Qamar. "Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan." 25 (2025), 14-14. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Saima Mehmood, Ibtisam Qazi, Danish Abdul Aziz, Farah Naz Qamar (2025) Enablers and barriers of online learning among adolescents visiting outpatient pediatric clinics of secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. , 25 (June 2025), 14-14. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1623