Age, not sex, predicts needle fear and life interference

Fear of needles is common and can impair health-related behavior, yet remains underexamined in adult populations. This study assessed symptom severity and life interference associated with needle fear in a UK sample (N = 396). Findings showed 77 % of participants reported life interference due to needle fear despite almost no formal diagnosis. Younger adults had higher severity, with no significant sex differences. These results suggest a need for broad, low-barrier interventions to reduce needle fear and improve public health outcomes like vaccine uptake. • One-third of surveyed adults screened positive for needle fear symptoms. • 77 % experienced life interference, yet only 0.25 % had a formal diagnosis. • Younger adults showed higher symptom severity than older individuals. • No significant sex differences in symptom severity or life interference. • Findings support low-barrier, scalable interventions for needle fear.