Application Of The Health Belief Model In Assessing Fruit And Vegetable Consumption And Cancer Risk Among Male Civil Servants In Umuahia South:- Obinede, Chisom F

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional descriptive study examined the application ofthe health beliefmodel (HBM) in assessing fruit and vegetable consumption and cancer risk among male civil servants in Umuahia South. Data were collected from 165 male civil servants through structured questionnaires. The sample size was calculated using a 95% confidence interval and a 7.5% estimated prevalence of cancer risk among male civil servants. Data were collected using wellstructured questionnaires. Results showed that while 97.0% ofrespondents rated their health status as good, only 9.7% reported a personal or family history of cancer, and just 68.5% had prior knowledge ofthe disease. Knowledge ofthe cancer-preventive role of fruits and vegetables was generally poor, with 68.5% scoring below 50%, and none attaining a good knowledge score (>75%). Perceived severity of cancer scored high (Mean = 3.03 ± 0.43), and cues to action were also strong (Mean = 3.11 ± 0.50), while perceived susceptibility was notably low (Mean = 1.64 ± 0.48). Barriers such as cost (Mean = 2.35 ± 0.77), taste (Mean = 2.55 ± 0.76), and difficulty in daily inclusion (Mean = 2.75 ± 0.76) limited consumption. Correlation analysis indicated that knowledge was positively associated with perceived susceptibility (r = 0.331, p < 0.001) and perceived barriers (r = 0.289, p < 0.001), but negatively with self-efficacy (r = -0.255, p < 0.001). In conclusion, male civil servants recognize cancer as a serious disease, low perceived susceptibility and poor nutritional knowledge undermine preventive dietary behaviors. Effective interventions should therefore enhance personal risk awareness, strengthen self-efficacy, and reduce structural barriers through workplace-based nutrition education, affordable food policies, and sustained health communication strategies.