Natural History of Disease Flashcards
Define Natural History of Disease
The natural history of disease refers to the progression of the disease over time from pathological onset or inception in the absence of treatment
Define clinical course of disease
The clinical course of disease refers to the evolution of a disease with medical intervention over time
What are the four stages in the natural history of disease
Stage of susceptibility
Stage of subclinical disease
Stage of clinical disease
Stage of recovery, disability or death
What are three main reasons that the natural history of disease is important
To determine prognosis
To plan management
To contribute to screening policy
What are Leavell’s three levels of prevention?
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Describe Leavell’s Primary level of prevention
Before person gets disease
Describe Leavell’s Secondary level of prevention
Disease process started but person a symptomatic
Describe Leavell’s tertiary level of prevention
Person has symptoms of disease
What is the goal of the primordial prevention level
Prevent emergence of risk factors
What is the goal of the primary prevention level
Lower incidence and prevalence of disease
What is the goal of the secondary prevention level
Find then treat disease early, reduce morbidity, maybe even cure
What is the goal of tertiary prevention level
Cure disease, slow disease, prevent complications, treat disability,, rehabilitate, prevent death
What are the two main types of strategies for primary prevention
Population approach and high-risk approach
Describe what the population approach for primary prevention entails
It aims to reduce average risk of the entire population the general public health measures applied to the whole population
Describe the aim of the high-risk approach for primary prevention
Targets persons at high risk for the disease
What are the advantages for the population approach for primary prevention
Radical
Large Potential for whole population
What are four advantages of high-risk individual strategy for a primary prevention
Appropriate to individuals
Subject motivation
Physician motivation
Favourable benifit - to - risk ratio
What are the disadvantages of population strategies for primary prevention
Small benefit to individuals
Poor motivation
Poor motivation to physician
Benefit-to-risk ratio may be low
What are some disadvantages for high-risk individual strategy for primary prevention
Difficulties identifying high-risk individuals
Temporary effect
Limited effect
What are three examples of primordial prevention for diabetes
Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence
Prevention of obesity
National policies of food imports or availability of saturated fats
What are some examples of primary prevention for Diabetes
Treat obesity and weight loss programs
Lifestyle interventions for pre diabetes
What are some steps for secondary prevention of diabetes
Population screening for and treatment of diabetes
Screening for diabetes in persons with obesity or family history of diabetes
What are some examples of tertiary prevention for diabetes
Preventing complications and death
