The Relationship Between Covid-19 Risk Perception and Vaccine Hesitancy in Cancer Patients: The Moderating Role of Externalizing Traits

OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the role of externalizing traits in moderating the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and vaccine hesitancy in patients diagnosed with cancer. A community-based participatory approach – comprising a preliminary qualitative inquiry and a subsequent cross-sectional research – was used to promote effective vaccination campaigns. METHOD: 12 people diagnosed with cancer and 7 cancer professionals were recruited for the qualitative inquiry, 356 people either under cancer treatment or in follow-up care for the cross-sectional research. A phenomenological analysis explored the transcripts of two focus groups. The cross-sectional research tested the hypothesis emerged during the previous qualitative inquiry through self-reported questionnaires and moderated regression. RESULTS: Phenomenological analysis suggested a pivotal role of externalizing traits in vaccine hesitancy. Moderated regression revealed how the association between risk perception and vaccine hesitancy is moderated by externalizing traits, even when controlled for treatment adherence. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study we found a stronger relationship between risk perception and vaccine hesitancy for patients with higher levels of externalizing traits. We suggest that vaccination campaigns should be personality-informed to offer individualized and effective solutions. Patients with externalizing traits may cope dysfunctionally with vaccination campaigns.