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Arumäe K, Realo A, Ausmees L, Allik J, Esko T, Fischer K, Vainik U, Mõttus R. Self- and informant-reported personality traits and vaccination against COVID-19. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0287413. [PMID: 38483965 PMCID: PMC10939290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
As COVID-19 vaccines' accessibility has grown, so has the role of personal choice in vaccination, and not everybody is willing to vaccinate. Exploring personality traits' associations with vaccination could highlight some person-level drivers of, and barriers to, vaccination. We used self- and informant-ratings of the Five-Factor Model domains and their subtraits (a) measured approximately at the time of vaccination with the 100 Nuances of Personality (100NP) item pool (N = 56,575) and (b) measured on average ten years before the pandemic with the NEO Personality Inventory-3 (NEO-PI-3; N = 3,168). We tested individual domains' and either items' (in the 100NP sample) or facets' (in the NEO-PI-3 sample) associations with vaccination, as well as their collective ability to predict vaccination using elastic net models trained and tested in independent sample partitions. Although the NEO-PI-3 domains and facets did not predict vaccination ten years later, the domains correlated with vaccination in the 100NP sample, with vaccinated people scoring slightly higher on neuroticism and agreeableness and lower on openness, controlling for age, sex, and education. Collectively, the five domains predicted vaccination with an accuracy of r = .08. Associations were stronger at the item level. Vaccinated people were, on average, more science-minded, politically liberal, respectful of rules and authority, and anxious but less spiritual, religious, and self-assured. The 100NP items collectively predicted vaccination with r = .31 accuracy. We conclude that unvaccinated people may be a psychologically heterogeneous group and highlight some potential areas for action in vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadri Arumäe
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anu Realo
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, England
| | - Liisi Ausmees
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jüri Allik
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnu Esko
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Krista Fischer
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Uku Vainik
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - René Mõttus
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Kelsall J. COVID-19 vaccine refusal as unfair free-riding. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2024; 27:107-119. [PMID: 38189907 PMCID: PMC10904454 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-023-10188-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Contributions to COVID-19 vaccination programmes promise valuable collective goods. They can support public and individual health by creating herd immunity and taking the pressure off overwhelmed public health services; support freedom of movement by enabling governments to remove restrictive lockdown policies; and improve economic and social well-being by allowing businesses, schools, and other essential public services to re-open. The vaccinated can contribute to the production of these goods. The unvaccinated, who benefit from, but who do not contribute to these goods can be morally criticised as free-riders. In this paper defends the claim that in the case of COVID-19, the unvaccinated are unfair free-riders. I defend the claim against two objections. First, that they are not unfair free-riders because they lack the subjective attitudes and intentions of free-riders; second, that although the unvaccinated may be free-riders, their free-riding is not unfair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kelsall
- University of Warwick, PAIS Building, Coventry, CV47AL, UK.
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McKinnon B, Abalovi K, Fortin G, Parvez M, Dalal S, Bouabid R, Jasmin D, Zéphrin M, Gupta N, Hasan AT, Andog-Naba Sebastien A, Taheem B, Dubé È, Tuong Nguyen C, Quach C, Vandermorris A, Zinszer K. Perspectives on COVID-19 Vaccination and Vaccine Passports in a Diverse Urban Adolescent Population: A Youth Participatory Mixed Methods Study. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:527-535. [PMID: 37294252 PMCID: PMC10150197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disparities in youth COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake have been documented in several countries, yet few studies have explored the attitudes and perceptions underlying vaccine-related decision-making among adolescent populations with unique sociocultural, environmental, and/or structural contexts that may influence vaccine uptake. METHODS This study used data from surveys and semistructured interviews collected between January and March 2022 as part of an ongoing community-based research project in two ethnoculturally diverse, lower income neighborhoods of Montreal, Canada. Youth researchers designed and conducted interviews with unvaccinated adolescents, and thematic analysis was employed to explore attitudes and perceptions underlying vaccine-related decisions and opinions about vaccine passports. Survey data were used to describe sociodemographic and psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS Among 315 survey participants aged 14-17 years, most (74%) were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Prevalence ranged from 57% among Black adolescents to 91% among South and/or Southeast Asian adolescents (34% difference, 95% confidence interval: 20-49). Qualitative and quantitative findings highlighted several misconceptions about the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of COVID-19 vaccines and adolescents' desire for trusted sources of information to address their concerns. Vaccine passports likely increased uptake, yet adolescents were strongly resistant to the policy, and for some, it may have fueled distrust of government and scientific institutions. DISCUSSION Strategies that increase the trustworthiness of institutions and foster genuine partnership with underserved youth may improve vaccine confidence and help ensure an effective, proequity recovery from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt McKinnon
- Centre for Public Health Research, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Krystelle Abalovi
- Centre for Public Health Research, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Fortin
- Centre for Public Health Research, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maryam Parvez
- Centre for Public Health Research, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sanya Dalal
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rania Bouabid
- Calixa-Lavallée Secondary School, Montréal-Nord, Québec, Canada
| | - Djunah Jasmin
- Henri-Bourassa Secondary School, Montréal-Nord, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Nandini Gupta
- Lucien-Pagé Secondary School, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Binal Taheem
- Lucien-Pagé Secondary School, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ève Dubé
- Research Centre of the CHU of Québec, Laval University, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Cat Tuong Nguyen
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Quach
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ashley Vandermorris
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate Zinszer
- Centre for Public Health Research, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Zhu P, Tatar O, Haward B, Steck V, Griffin-Mathieu G, Perez S, Dubé È, Zimet G, Rosberger Z. Examining an Altruism-Eliciting Video Intervention to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions in Younger Adults: A Qualitative Assessment Using the Realistic Evaluation Framework. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030628. [PMID: 36992212 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time, and with the emergence of new variants, additional “booster” doses have been recommended in Canada. However, booster vaccination uptake has remained low, particularly amongst younger adults aged 18–39. A previous study by our research team found that an altruism-eliciting video increased COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Using qualitative methods, the present study aims to: (1) identify the factors that influence vaccine decision-making in Canadian younger adults; (2) understand younger adults’ perceptions of an altruism-eliciting video designed to increase COVID-19 vaccine intentions; and (3) explore how the video can be improved and adapted to the current pandemic context. We conducted three focus groups online with participants who: (1) received at least one booster vaccine, (2) received the primary series without any boosters, or (3) were unvaccinated. We used deductive and inductive approaches to analyze data. Deductively, informed by the realist evaluation framework, we synthesized data around three main themes: context, mechanism, and intervention-specific suggestions. Within each main theme, we deductively created subthemes based on the health belief model (HBM). For quotes that could not be captured by these subthemes, additional themes were created inductively. We found multiple factors that could be important considerations in future messaging to increase vaccine acceptance, such as feeling empowered, fostering confidence in government and institutions, providing diverse (such as both altruism and individualism) messaging, and including concrete data (such as the prevalence of vulnerable individuals). These findings suggest targeted messaging tailored to these themes would be helpful to increase COVID-19 booster vaccination amongst younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Zhu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI), Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Ovidiu Tatar
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI), Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Research Center, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Ben Haward
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI), Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Veronica Steck
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Griffin-Mathieu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI), Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Samara Perez
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
- Psychosocial Oncology Program, Cedars Cancer Center, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H3A 3J1, Canada
| | - Ève Dubé
- Department of Anthropology, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gregory Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Zeev Rosberger
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI), Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
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Bedston S, Lowthian E, Jarvis CI, Akbari A, Beggs J, Bradley D, de Lusignan S, Griffiths R, Herbert L, Hobbs R, Kerr S, Lyons J, Midgley W, Owen RK, Quint JK, Tsang R, Torabi F, Sheikh A, Lyons RA. COVID-19 booster vaccination uptake and infection breakthrough amongst health care workers in Wales: A national prospective cohort study. Vaccine 2023; 41:1378-1389. [PMID: 36669966 PMCID: PMC9837216 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From September 2021, Health Care Workers (HCWs) in Wales began receiving a COVID-19 booster vaccination. This is the first dose beyond the primary vaccination schedule. Given the emergence of new variants, vaccine waning vaccine, and increasing vaccination hesitancy, there is a need to understand booster vaccine uptake and subsequent breakthrough in this high-risk population. METHODS We conducted a prospective, national-scale, observational cohort study of HCWs in Wales using anonymised, linked data from the SAIL Databank. We analysed uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccinations from September 2021 to February 2022, with comparisons against uptake of the initial primary vaccination schedule. We also analysed booster breakthrough, in the form of PCR-confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection, comparing to the second primary dose. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations for vaccination uptake and breakthrough regarding staff roles, socio-demographics, household composition, and other factors. RESULTS We derived a cohort of 73,030 HCWs living in Wales (78% female, 60% 18-49 years old). Uptake was quickest amongst HCWs aged 60 + years old (aHR 2.54, 95%CI 2.45-2.63), compared with those aged 18-29. Asian HCWs had quicker uptake (aHR 1.18, 95%CI 1.14-1.22), whilst Black HCWs had slower uptake (aHR 0.67, 95%CI 0.61-0.74), compared to white HCWs. HCWs residing in the least deprived areas were slightly quicker to have received a booster dose (aHR 1.12, 95%CI 1.09-1.16), compared with those in the most deprived areas. Strongest associations with breakthrough infections were found for those living with children (aHR 1.52, 95%CI 1.41-1.63), compared to two-adult only households. HCWs aged 60 + years old were less likely to get breakthrough infections, compared to those aged 18-29 (aHR 0.42, 95%CI 0.38-0.47). CONCLUSION Vaccination uptake was consistently lower among black HCWs, as well as those from deprived areas. Whilst breakthrough infections were highest in households with children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Bedston
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - Emily Lowthian
- Department of Education and Childhood Studies, School of Social Sciences, Swansea University, UK.
| | | | - Ashley Akbari
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | | | - Declan Bradley
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK. And Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK.
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Rowena Griffiths
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - Laura Herbert
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Steven Kerr
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Jane Lyons
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - William Midgley
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - Rhiannon K Owen
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - Jennifer K Quint
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Ruby Tsang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Fatemeh Torabi
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute and HDR UK BREATHE Hub, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Swansea University, UK.
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Evaluation of the Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices among Greek Non-Professional Athletes Visiting a Public Hospital during March 2022, towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Consequences on Sports Training and Sports Activity. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111821. [PMID: 36366330 PMCID: PMC9695790 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sports have been majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the lockdown period, vaccination and protocols were implemented to return to normality. We aimed to assess the attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 vaccination among athletes, and to record adverse effects of vaccination, if any. A questionnaire was distributed to 1012 male and female athletes, 15+ years old, within the region of Athens. Vaccination coverage with at least one dose was 93.5%, whereas 53.9% were fully vaccinated. More than half of the participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of the study. More than 90% of the participants, considered the vaccines as safe, effective and important for public health. Concern about potential side-effects was raised especially by women athletes (59.1% of women compared to 42.2% of men, p < 0.001). The main reasons for avoiding vaccination were fear of vaccine safety, concern about the short time period for vaccine development and testing and doubt of risk of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main reported side-effects were pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and headache. Approximately two thirds of the participants reported that vaccination did not affect their training, and none reported missing participation in scheduled athletic events. Participants reported high compliance to preventive measures by themselves and fellow athletes, but low satisfaction regarding the implementation of public protocols and the flow of information provided by the authorities. Athletes of older age and those less concerned about potential side-effects were more likely to get fully vaccinated. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the athletes in our study were vaccinated for COVID-19 despite any hesitation regarding effectiveness, safety, or potential side-effects from the vaccines.
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Bonander C, Ekman M, Jakobsson N. Vaccination nudges: A study of pre-booked COVID-19 vaccinations in Sweden. Soc Sci Med 2022; 309:115248. [PMID: 35969977 PMCID: PMC9354447 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A nudge changes people's actions without removing their options or altering their incentives. During the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the Swedish Region of Uppsala sent letters with pre-booked appointments to inhabitants aged 16–17 instead of opening up manual appointment booking. Using regional and municipal vaccination data, we document a higher vaccine uptake among 16- to 17-year-olds in Uppsala compared to untreated control regions (constructed using the synthetic control method as well as neighboring municipalities). The results highlight pre-booked appointments as a strategy for increasing vaccination rates in populations with low perceived risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Bonander
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Ekman
- Karlstad Business School, Karlstad University, Sweden
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Betta S, Castellini G, Acampora M, Barello S. The Effect of Message Framing on COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions among the Younger Age Population Groups: Results from an Experimental Study in the Italian Context. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040559. [PMID: 35455307 PMCID: PMC9031119 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has been recognized as a major threat to public health. Widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines is crucial for achieving adequate immunization coverage to end the global pandemic. However, to date, there are still hesitant people, especially among the younger population groups. For this reason, it is essential to identify the psychological variables that may affect vaccination intention among these “at risk groups” and to select possible successful communication frames in order to increase vaccination rates. An online cross-sectional survey was carried out on 208 Italian citizens younger than 50 years old, to explore message framing effects on their intention to receive the vaccination and to understand the psychological factors influencing it. Results showed that depending on the goal (stimulate vaccination intention, vaccination trust, or vaccine attitude), not all the communication stimuli are equally effective on this target population. Furthermore, the study showed that sociodemographic variables do not help to explain the vaccination intention of the younger population groups, while the psychological variables have been found to have a stronger impact on such attitude. Trust and attitudes towards vaccines, concern about the pandemic and concern about infecting others have been found to be the most effective predictive variables of people vaccination intention. The study results underline the importance of understanding the psychological roots behind vaccine hesitancy to shape sensitization actions and vaccination campaigns targeting this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Betta
- EngageMinds HUB—Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (S.B.); (M.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Greta Castellini
- EngageMinds HUB—Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (S.B.); (M.A.); (S.B.)
- Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Milano 24, 26100 Cremona, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Acampora
- EngageMinds HUB—Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (S.B.); (M.A.); (S.B.)
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Barello
- EngageMinds HUB—Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (S.B.); (M.A.); (S.B.)
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
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