What belief indicates that an individual feels at risk of contracting a specific disease?

The correct choice highlights the concept of perceived susceptibility, which refers to an individual's belief regarding their personal risk of contracting a specific disease. This belief is central in public health, particularly within health behavior theories, as it directly influences a person's likelihood to engage in health-promoting behaviors or preventive actions.

Perceived susceptibility reflects an individual's assessment of their vulnerability to health threats. When people recognize that they are at risk for a disease, they may become more motivated to adopt preventive measures, seek health information, or participate in screening programs. This perception can significantly impact health behaviors and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of diseases.

In the context of public health campaigns, increasing perceived susceptibility is often a key strategy to encourage individuals to take precautionary steps or change unhealthy behaviors. For example, campaigns addressing flu vaccinations may focus on informing individuals about their risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The other concepts, while related to health beliefs, do not directly address the individual’s perception of risk. For instance, perceived severity relates more to the belief about the seriousness of a disease and its potential consequences, perceived barriers refers to obstacles that might prevent an individual from taking action, and self-efficacy involves an individual's confidence in their ability to execute behaviors needed to produce specific performance attainments.