Background: The prevalence of hypertension has increased annually in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Hypertension is hypothesized to be influenced by behavior and lifestyle. This study aimed to determine the effect of perceived threat on hypertension preventive behavior, using health belief model.

Subjects and Method: This was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. This study was conducted in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. A sample of 180 study subjects was selected for this study by multistage random sampling. The dependent variable was hypertension preventive behavior. The independent variable was perceived threat. The data were measured by questionnaire and analyzed by path analysis.

Results: Hypertension preventive behavior increased with stronger perceived threat (b= 4.07; p= 0.084).

Conclusion: Hypertension preventive behavior increases with stronger perceived threat.

Keywords: hypertension, preventive behavior, perceived threat