Which construct from the Health Belief Model assesses individual's feelings regarding the severity of a health issue?

The correct choice is based on the Health Belief Model, which includes several constructs that help understand health behaviors. Perceived severity specifically refers to an individual’s assessment of the seriousness of a health issue and its potential consequences. This construct influences a person's willingness to engage in health-promoting behaviors.

When individuals perceive a health issue as severe, they are more likely to take action to mitigate that issue because they recognize the potential risk and the serious implications that may arise if they do not address it. This perception can motivate behavior change, as the individual understands that the health problem is significant enough to warrant concern, prompting them to seek out information, modify their behaviors, or engage in preventive measures.

Other constructs, such as perceived susceptibility, focus on the individual's belief regarding their personal risk of developing the health issue, while perceived barriers relate to the obstacles that might prevent a person from taking action. Cue to action involves triggers that promote a health behavior change, such as reminders or prompts. Each of these constructs plays a role in health behavior, but perceived severity directly addresses the importance of understanding the ramifications of a health issue, making it the correct choice in this context.