<![CDATA[Background: Stroke is one of the most serious complications of hypertension and remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Effective stroke prevention among patients with hypertension requires an understanding of health perceptions and preventive behaviors. Therefore, a valid and reliable instrument based on the Health Belief Model was needed to assess these constructs accurately. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a Health Belief Model-based instrument for measuring health perceptions and stroke prevention behaviors among patients with hypertension. Methods: This quantitative study employed an instrument development design. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire developed based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and stroke prevention behaviors. The study involved 20 older adults diagnosed with hypertension who were selected using purposive sampling. Item validity was assessed using Pearson Product Moment correlation, while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Results: The findings indicate that 20 of the 25 health perception items meet the validity criteria, while five items are not valid. All 10 items measuring stroke prevention behaviors are valid. The instrument demonstrates excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.947 for the health perception scale and 0.925 for the stroke prevention behavior scale. These findings indicate that the developed instrument adequately measures the intended constructs. Conclusion: The Health Belief Model-based instrument demonstrates satisfactory validity and reliability for assessing health perceptions and stroke prevention behaviors among patients with hypertension. The instrument can serve as a useful tool for future research and health promotion programs aimed at reducing stroke risk in hypertensive populations. Keywords: Health Belief Model, Validity, Reliability, Hypertension, Stroke Prevention.]]>
