Western Governors University (WGU) D583 Foundations in Public Health Practice Exam

An important factor in a person deciding to quit smoking, according to the health belief model, is the individual's perceived susceptibility to getting a smoking-related illness. This model posits that people are more likely to take health-related actions if they believe they are at risk for a health issue. In the context of smoking, if a person perceives themselves as likely to develop health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to their smoking habit, they may be more motivated to quit.

This perception of susceptibility is a key driver of health behavior change, as it links an individual's personal beliefs about their vulnerability directly to their motivation to improve their health through quitting smoking. Other factors might influence the decision to quit, but the perception of risk plays a crucial role in motivating that change.