<![CDATA[Background: Hypertension remains a major public health challenge, with approximately 90% of cases lacking a clearly identified cause. Psychological factors, particularly stress, are believed to trigger elevated blood pressure through sympathetic nervous system activation. The Health Belief Model (HBM) offers a framework to explain how individual perceptions of risk and benefit influence preventive health behavior. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between stress level and the incidence of hypertension based on the Health Belief Model approach, encompassing Perceived Susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed involving 84 hypertensive patients at Klinik Dandy Dinda, Tembung, selected through Slovin’s formula from a population of 107 patients. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and HBM-based questionnaires, then analyzed using univariate and bivariate (chi-square) statistical tests with a 95% confidence level. Results: Most respondents experienced a moderate stress level (57.1%) and stage 1 hypertension (45.2%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between hypertension and stress level (p=0.010), Perceived Susceptibility (p=0.047), and perceived severity (p=0.046), whereas perceived barriers (p=0.149) and self-efficacy (p=0.108) showed no significant association. Conclusion: Stress level, Perceived Susceptibility, and perceived severity were significantly associated with hypertension incidence, while perceived barriers and self-efficacy were not. These findings highlight the importance of stress management and health perception strengthening in hypertension prevention programs.]]>
