Social media has become an essential source of information during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to understand social media’s effect on the general public’s fear, degree of adopting precautionary behaviors, and compliance with health authorities’ regulations during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Jordan during the early period of COVID-19 pandemic. 827 individuals completed the questionnaire. Factors that had a significant association with increased fear included female gender (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8–3.7), married status (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4), following medical pages on social media (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.42), and sharing of COVID-19 information on social media (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.8–7.1). The variables that were significantly associated with higher levels of precautionary behaviors were knowledge score (OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.07–1.3), feeling of fear (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.71–3.), and following medical pages on social media (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.8–4.24). Regarding compliance with health officials’ regulations, social media as a source of information and sharing information were significantly associated with lower odds of compliance with the Ministry of Health’s regulations (OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.5 and OR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25–0.8, respectively). Social media is an essential platform for risk communication during pandemics. It plays a positive role in spreading knowledge and promotes certain preventive behaviors among the public. However, it may spread fear and encourage disruptive behaviors, which might be propagated by sharing the pandemic’s news.

This study investigates the changes in prevalence estimates, severity, and risk factors of anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs) over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was distributed among HCWs using snowball sampling, collecting their socio-demographics, occupation, and anxiety symptoms as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. It was distributed one month after the pandemic’s onset in Jordan between 15 and 30 April 2020 (onset group) and after one year between 15 and 30 March 2021 (one-year group). A total of 422 HCWs were included (211 in each group). The one-year group reported a higher risk of GAD (30.8% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.001), a higher mean (SD) GAD-7 score (7.94 (5.29) vs. 6.15 (4.15); p < 0.001), and more severe symptoms (p = 0.003). Univariate analyses showed that participants who were younger, women, unmarried, had lower monthly incomes, underwent testing for COVID-19, had higher contact with COVID-19 patients, did not receive special education, and were unsatisfied with the institutional COVID-19 preparedness scored higher on the GAD-7 scale and had more severe symptoms than their counterparts in both groups. Unlike the onset group, occupation as a physician, COVID-19 infection history, and perception of remarkable changes in work were associated with higher anxiety scores and severity among the one-year group. The COVID-19 vaccine was a relative protective action. Logistic regression analyses showed that the female gender was a risk factor for developing GAD at the pandemic onset, while poor satisfaction with institutional preparedness was a significant GAD risk factor in the one-year group. Low monthly income and lack of special education were the shared risk factors for GAD in both groups. This study reveals a significant rise in anxiety among HCWs over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic and shows the vulnerable sub-groups who likely need psychological interventions.

Background: Tobacco consumption in the Middle East is very high. Many smoking cessation apps effectively reduce smoking rates, yet few smoking cessation apps are tailored to the region. To date, smoking cessation apps in Arabic are mostly translated from English, with no studies assessing their efficacy. Additionally, these apps often fail to address cultural differences. The purpose of this study is to develop a smoking cessation app in Arabic (iEndSmokin, أنهيت التدخين ) and to examine its feasibility and efficacy. The app will incorporate evidence-based 5As, 5Rs, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Method: In this pilot randomized trial, adults who smoke will be randomized and allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the app intervention group (using the app) or the control group. Participants in the control arm will attend educational sessions. The intervention will last for 3 months, and participants will be followed for 6 months. A total of 200 adults who smoke willing to quit will be recruited between October and November 2025 (or until recruitment is complete). The study will run from December 2025 to May 2026, with follow-ups at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Data will be analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach. Results: The primary outcome will be 30-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence with biochemically confirmed cessation via normal saliva cotinine levels at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include either a 7-day point prevalence abstinence verified by saliva cotinine levels, and a ≥ 20% reduction in smoking rate. Long-term abstinence will be assessed at 6 months’ post-intervention. Conclusion: Developing a culturally sensitive smoking cessation app to be available for the majority of adults who smoke for free that adhere to clinical guideline is a promising low-cost solution to promote behavioral change. We hypothesize that the iEndSmokin App will be an effective, accessible, and feasible smoking cessation tool for Arabic-speaking populations. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06766227

Tobacco consumption in the middle-east region is very high. Many smoking cessation apps show to be effective in reducing smoking rates. To date, smoking cessation apps in Arabic mostly are translated from English. No study tested the apps efficacy of the Arabic version in our region. Moreover,...