AUTHOR=Apil Jenifer , Mulugo Lucy , Atekyereza Peter , Obaa Bernard 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1592661

DOI=10.3389/fsufs.2025.1592661

ISSN=2571-581X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundWith 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.MethodsData 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.ResultsPerceived 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.ConclusionFrom 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.