Cassava cyanide knowledge, risk perception, and adoption of preventive measures in Northwestern Uganda: a moderated mediation perspective

Background With widely adequate efforts to promote food (cassava) safety, adoption still remains low. This study explored the knowledge of cassava cyanide poisoning, perceived threat, and adoption of preventive measures in Northwestern Uganda. Methods Data were collected using focus group discussions (10), in-depth individual interviews (10), and household interviews (420). Participants responded to a culturally specific questionnaire that comprised demographic inquiries and adapted questions from the qualitative findings on knowledge, perceived threat, and adoption of preventive measures. Results Perceived threat mediated the path between knowledge and the adoption of preventive measures, and the indirect effect was moderated by education and not gender. In other words, having knowledge of cassava cyanide poisoning was interconnected to the adoption of preventive measures through the risk perception of educated respondents. Conclusion From the Health Belief Model perspective, the study recommends that cassava cyanide poisoning responsiveness campaigns should hinge on raising awareness of the risk associated with cyanide poisoning to motivate households to adopt recommended preventive measures.