Introduction: When the COVID-19 emerged, and lockdowns were imposed, e-learning was adopted as an alternative teaching
method. Our study aimed to assess e-learning acceptance facilitators and barriers among trainees of the Saudi Board of Preventive
Medicine (SBPM) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A Cross-sectional study used an electronic questionnaire as Google
Form, which included the E-learning acceptance measure (ElAM) with its three constructs and inquired about attitude, barriers,
advantages, and disadvantages of e-Learning. Data analysis was done with descriptive statistics, the student’s t-test and multiple
linear regressions. Results: The studies showed an 83% response rate, and most (75%) of the trainees were satisfied with the elearning experience. Around 65.6% of the trainees did not report any challenges securing the internet during the online learning
period. The ElAM mean score was 111.97±23.04. Trainees with difficulty securing the internet for learning had a significantly
reduced total ElAM score and its three constructs (p<0.001). Of respondents, 72.6% preferred a combination of e-learning with
traditional classrooms as unsuitability for some courses to be online was reported. Conclusion: Three-quarters of trainees welcomed
the new learning method because of its flexibility and cost reduction. Around a half preferred the e-learning coupled with physical
training because of limitations line internet issues.
Keywords: e-Learning, acceptance, Barriers, Facilitators, Preventive Medicine,
Saudi Arabia