This article [1] was identified as one of a series of submissions for which we have concerns about authorship and adherence to the journal’s first and second publication criteria.
In addition, the article [1] reports the same study and results as a previously published article [2, Expression of Concern in 3] that was not cited or discussed in [1].
In light of these issues, the PLOS One Editors retract this article.
All authors either did not respond directly or could not be reached.
References
- 1.Natnael T, Adane M, Alemnew Y, Andualem A, Hailu F. COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and frequent hand hygiene practices among taxi drivers and associated factors in urban areas of Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2021;16(8):e0253452. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253452 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Retracted]
- 2.Natnael T, Alemnew Y, Berihun G, Abebe M, Andualem A, Ademe S, et al. Facemask wearing to prevent COVID-19 transmission and associated factors among taxi drivers in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2021;16(3):e0247954. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247954 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.The PLOS One Editors. Expression of Concern: facemask wearing to prevent COVID-19 transmission and associated factors among taxi drivers in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2025;20(7):e0327755. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327755 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]