The Relationship Between Polychlorinated and Polybrominated Biphenyls and Glycated Hemoglobin among Electronics Workers.

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants classified as endocrine disruptors related to prediabetes and diabetes. Polybrominated biphenyls are similar in structure to PCBs and are used as flame retardants. Due to the increased worldwide prevalence of diabetes, there is increased interest in understanding the role of environmental and occupational pollutants in its development. The study aims to assess the relation between PCBs and PBBs in the serum of electronic workers and glycated hemoglobin level as an early indicator of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus among occupationally exposed workers. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 152 workers to assess PCBs (by GCMS), random blood sugar (RBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Participants were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of PCBs in their serum and were compared for RBS and HbA1c levels. Results: Only two participants had detectable PCB derivate in their serum by GCMS, PCB 1 with methyl and benzole side chains. Regarding PBBs, 18 participants (12%) had detectable PBBs in their serum by GCMS. All participants had RBS and HbA1c levels within the normal range. No statistically significant difference was found between mean levels of RBS and HbA1c between participants with detected biphenyls and those without. Conclusion: The banning of PCB use in industry and modern automated techniques have prevented exposure to PCBs among electronics workers. However, exposure to PBBs continues in electronic industries, but it has no association with diabetes or prediabetes.

Correction: Acceptance and hesitancy of parents to vaccinate children against coronavirus disease 2019 in Saudi Arabia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276183.].

Knowledge and attitude of general population towards climate change and its impact on health in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Recently, climate change (CC) has garnered significant global attention. It has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues, resulting in a multitude of adverse impacts on human well-being and health. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of the general population in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, about CC and its impact on health, identify factors affecting the general population's knowledge about CC, and highlight methods to solve this problem. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on the general population in Ismailia governorate, Egypt. A snowball sample of participants (n = 150) was enrolled in the study by distributing an online Google form containing a structured self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The participants had an average knowledge score of 27.42 ± 14.42, with 60% considered knowledgeable. About 54% knew the main cause of CC. Around 75% were aware of the environmental impacts of CC, and 69.3% knew about the effects on human health. Based on the questionnaire's results, 76.7% of respondents believed that increasing afforestation helps in the mitigation of CC and 77.3% believed that governments bear the responsibility for CC. Approximately 85% regarded increasing green spaces as an effective method to reduce CC on the country level. On an individual level, usage of energy-saving products was the most-favored option chosen by participants to help in reducing CC (82%). Gender, education level, and place of residence were significant factors affecting knowledge about CC. CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of the participants were knowledgeable about CC and the role of human activities in CC. Therefore, public awareness campaigns utilizing prominent media such as television and social media should be launched to improve CC literacy. These campaigns should be more directed at males, and people with lower levels of education and who live in rural areas in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt.

The Epidemiology of Nomophobia and Insomnia Among Medical Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Nomophobia and insomnia are common public health problems. The prevalence of moderate nomophobia is high among medical students in Saudi Arabia. Also, the prevalence of insomnia is high among the Saudi population. The relationship between nomophobia and insomnia is still unclear. So, the aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of nomophobia and insomnia among medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and to examine the relationship between them. Subjects and methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 157 medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected by convenience sample and electronic questionnaire using Google form which was disseminated on social media. Nomophobia was assessed by a validated Nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q) and insomnia was assessed by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results Most of the participants were females (78.3%) and the mean age of the study participants was 23.52 ± 2.61 years. The mean nomophobia score was 64.2 ± 19.5 and the mean insomnia score was 11.52 ± 4.31. A total of 58.6% of participants had a moderate level of nomophobia. In addition, 53.5% of participants had subthreshold insomnia and 28.7% had moderate insomnia. The study results did not reveal a significant relationship between nomophobia and insomnia. The academic year of the medical student is a significant risk factor for nomophobia. Conclusion The study findings suggest that a significant proportion of medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, suffer from nomophobia and insomnia. No significant association was found between nomophobia and insomnia. These findings highlight the urgent need to investigate factors that might contribute to these problems and developing interventions for nomophobia and insomnia among medical students.

Acceptance and hesitancy of parents to vaccinate children against coronavirus disease 2019 in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination of masses against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical to overcome the pandemic and restore normalcy. However, vaccine refusal and hesitancy prevail in many countries. COVID-19 has rapidly spread in Saudi Arabia since 2020. The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccines has been investigated in adults aged >18 years in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to understand the acceptance and hesitancy of parents to vaccinate children aged <12 years against COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia and identify strategies that can encourage their engagement. METHODS: We used an online cross-sectional survey distributed to parents who lived in all regions of Saudi Arabia to investigate parents' views on the acceptability of a future COVID-19 vaccine for their children aged <12 years. Five hundred parents living in Saudi Arabia completed the survey. RESULTS: The survey indicated that mothers were more enthusiastic about participating in the study than fathers. The participant aged 37.31 ± 8.52 years. A total of 38.6% of participants refused to vaccinate their children. Additionally, 56% were unsure if the vaccine would cause serious side effects in children. A total of 48.8% of parents believed that the Pfizer vaccine was suitable for children, while 64.5% failed to decide whether to administer vaccines to their children. CONCLUSION: Vaccine hesitancy remains a major problem worldwide. A lack of scientific evidence on vaccine efficacy, low education level, and reduced level of health education and promotion are the most common factors in parents in Saudi Arabia. However, some participants agreed to receive vaccines only to protect their family members, and due to governmental rules and school mandates. Therefore, vaccine efficacy and safety in children must be clearly communicated to the public. This information would aid in reducing the hesitancy of parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.