Published in PLOS One on 2025-12-12, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Mai Hussein, Assem Gebreal, Ahmed Naeem, Asmaa Mohammed AboElela, Hoda Ali Ahmed Shiba, Jargaltulga Ulziijargal, Aesha L E Enairat, Ibrahim Adel, Bayan Ayash, Shehata Farag Shehata, Safar Abadi Alsaleem, Ahmed A Mahfouz, Omar Alwakaa, Logina Ezz Elarab, Vanessa Pamela Salolin Vargas, Fabio Massimo Oddi, Hala Bakro, Dennis Brempong, Muhereza Morgan Meike, Ramy Mohamed Ghazy, Stephen Dubik, Mona Gamal Mohamed, Eman Abdelaziz Rashad Dabou
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0318788
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can influence transmissibility, virulence, vaccine efficacy, the effectiveness of therapeutic agents, diagnostic accuracy, and the overall success of public health interventions. This study aimed to assess the impact of emerging variants on healthcare workers’ (HCWs) fear related to SARS-CoV-2 new variant infection and to evaluate their confidence in the received vaccines. A globally distributed cross-sectional study was performed using an online anonymous survey and face-to-face interviews between 1st November and 5th December 2023. The fear level was assessed by the Fear of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) Scale (FCS), and the confidence level in the received COVID-19 vaccines was measured using the Arabic Tool for Assessment of Post-vaccination Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines (ARAB-VAX-CONF). A total of 5843 eligible HCWs completed the survey with a mean age of 32.1 ± 10.8 years. Of them, 42.5% were from the Eastern Mediterranean region, 24.2% were from the African region, 14.4% were from the Western region, and 18.9% were from other regions (Eastern Asia and Latin America). Nearly three-fourths (72.7%) were vaccinated, primarily with Pfizer (40.0%), AstraZeneca (36.8%), and Sinopharm (14.3%). Nearly two-fifths (40.5%) were in extreme fear of catching infection from the COVID-19 emerging variants. Among the HCWs who received COVID-19 vaccines, 41.0% showed good confidence in the received vaccine. Predictors of lower fear included being married [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.8; 95% CI (0.7–0.9)], having a small family of two members [AOR: 0.63; 95% CI (0.5–0.78)] or three members [AOR: 0.62; 95% CI (0.51–0.72)], and being a pharmacist [AOR: 0.75; 95% CI (0.55–0.92)]. Conversely, predictors of increased fear included being divorced or widowed [AOR: 1.3; 95% CI (1.0–1.8)], residing in rural areas [AOR: 1.6; 95% CI (1.4–1.8)] or desert/mountain areas [AOR: 2.5; 95% CI (1.6–4.0)], having insufficient income and in debt [AOR: 2.5; 95% CI (2.2–3.1)], having insufficient income [AOR: 2.4; 95% CI (2.0–2.8)], and having chronic diseases [AOR: 1.2; 95% CI (1.1–1.4)]. Predictors of good confidence in the received vaccine were middle age (30–39 years) [AOR: 1.4; 95% CI (1.1–1.8)], age group 40 years and more [AOR: 1.8; 95% CI (1.4–2.3), rural/other residence [AOR: 1.3; 95% CI (1.1–1.5)], male sex [AOR: 1.3; 95% CI (1.1–1.4)], and small family members of one [AOR: 5.5; 95% CI (4.2–7.2)], two [AOR: 1.5; 95% CI (1.2–1.9)], and three [AOR: 1.3; 95% CI (1.1–1.6)]. On the other hand, having chronic diseases [AOR: 0.82; 95% CI (0.71–0.95)], having mental disorders [AOR: 0.59; 95% CI (0.51–0.69)], high family number of four [AOR: 0.78; 95% CI (0.69–0.89)], personal history of COVID-19 infection [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI (0.53–0.71)], and experiencing side effects of vaccination [AOR: 0.63; 95% CI (0.55–0.72)] were associated with low confidence regarding the received vaccine. In conclusion, HCWs exhibited notable fear of infection with SARS-CoV-2 new variants, along with low confidence in the vaccine. The study suggests realistic approaches, such as targeted interventional programs to address the fear, resolve uncertainties, and promote widespread vaccine confidence among HCWs.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider technology & industry desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2025 Mai Hussein, Assem Gebreal, Ahmed Naeem, Asmaa Mohammed AboElela, Hoda Ali Ahmed Shiba, Jargaltulga Ulziijargal, Aesha L E Enairat, Ibrahim Adel, Bayan Ayash, Shehata Farag Shehata, Safar Abadi Alsaleem, Ahmed A Mahfouz, Omar Alwakaa, Logina Ezz Elarab, Vanessa Pamela Salolin Vargas, Fabio Massimo Oddi, Hala Bakro, Dennis Brempong, Muhereza Morgan Meike, Ramy Mohamed Ghazy, Stephen Dubik, Mona Gamal Mohamed, Eman Abdelaziz Rashad Dabou. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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