Lecture 32 - Prevention Flashcards
Where foes prevention fit within epidemiology and public health
epidemiology - The study of the occurrence and distribution of health-related events…. the application of this knowledge to control relevant health problem.
Public health - The science and the art of preventing disease prolonging life and promoting health
Three levels of preventions
- primary
- secondary
- Tertiary
Primary level
Interventions that attempt to prevent disease from occurring i.e. reduce the incidence of disease
for example; vaccination
Secondary level prevention
Reduce impact of disease by shortening it duration, reducing severity or preventing recurrence.
- Cure, or stop progression
- may involve earlier diagnosis and treatment
Tertiary level prevention
Reduce the number or impact of complications; improve rehabilitation
e.g. diabetes monitoring and treatment
Example of cardiovascular disease primary prevention
Smoking cassation program, education on healthy diet, and exercise, tobacco tax etc
Example of CVD secondary prevention
- Treatment of blood pressure
- Stenting of coronary arteries
Example of CVD tertiary prevention
Rehabilitation programs, psychological support, and job reintegration
Primary prevention; car crash
- Implementing seatbelt laws, random breathing testing
Secondary prevention; car crash
- Efforts to reduce severity post-accident, such as emergency services
Tertiary prevention; car crash
- Accessible high quality rehabilitation facilities
- Psychological support
Two Strategies for primary prevention
- High risk (individual) strategy
- Population (mass) strategy
High risk (individual) strategy
- Targeting individuals at high risk and providing interventions specifically for them
- e.g. Smoking cessation programs for high-risk
Population (mass) strategy
- A strategy that aims to reduce health risks for the entire population
- e.g. Increasing tobbace prices, legal limits
Advantages and disadvantages of Population strategy
Advantages:
- Radical
- Large potential for whole population
- Behaviourally appropriate
Disadvantages:
- Small benefit to individuals
- poor motivation of individuals
- Benefit-to-risk ratio may be low for individuals
