PSYCHOSOCIAL AND STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS OF SAFE POST-HARVEST MOLD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Foodborne fungal contamination of staple crops remains a persistent public health and food safety challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in settings where post-harvest handling and storage systems are inadequate. Despite increasing awareness of fungal risks in northern Nigeria, adoption of preventive household practices remains inconsistent, and the behavioral drivers of these practices are insufficiently understood. This study examined the determinants of safe mold management practices among households in Jigawa State, Nigeria, using an integrated Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior framework. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 households selected through multistage sampling across major agro-ecological zones. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Behavioral intention emerged as the strongest predictor of safe practices (β = 0.58, p < 0.001; AOR = 2.10), followed by self-efficacy (β = 0.41, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.72) and perceived benefits (AOR = 1.45, p = 0.003). Perceived severity (AOR = 1.28, p = 0.041), subjective norms (AOR = 1.38, p = 0.007), education (AOR = 1.65, p = 0.019), and extension contact (AOR = 1.92, p = 0.002) were also significant positive predictors. In contrast, perceived barriers reduced the likelihood of adoption (β = −0.29; AOR = 0.66, p < 0.001). Perceived susceptibility and attitudes were not statistically significant, suggesting that risk awareness alone is insufficient to motivate behavioral change without confidence and enabling support.