Primary, Secondary, Tertiary & Quaternary Prevention in Public Health Flashcards
What is the focus of primary prevention?
To prevent the occurrence of a disease or health condition before it starts.
What strategies are used in primary prevention?
Promoting healthy lifestyles (e.g., diet and exercise).
Immunizations.
Health education.
Health policies.
Environmental interventions to reduce risk factors.
What is an example of primary prevention?
Encouraging a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases.
Immunizations to prevent infections.
Who is the target population for primary prevention?
The general population or specific high-risk groups before any signs or symptoms of the disease are present.
What is the focus of secondary prevention?
To detect and treat diseases at an early stage, often before symptoms become apparent.
Who is the target population for secondary prevention?
Individuals at increased risk of a specific disease or condition.
What strategies are used in secondary prevention?
Screening programs (e.g., mammograms for breast cancer, blood pressure checks).
Early diagnosis.
Prompt treatment to prevent disease progression and complications.
What is an example of secondary prevention?
Regular screenings for high blood pressure to detect hypertension and initiate early treatment.
Mammograms for early detection of breast cancer.
What is the focus of tertiary prevention?
To improve the quality of life for individuals already diagnosed with a disease or condition by preventing further deterioration and complications.
Who is the target population for tertiary prevention?
Individuals who already have a disease or condition.
What strategies are used in tertiary prevention?
Disease management.
Rehabilitation programs.
Self-management support.
Support services to minimize disability and enhance overall well-being.
What is an example of tertiary prevention?
Providing cardiac rehabilitation programs for individuals who have suffered a heart attack to improve heart health and prevent further cardiac events.
What is the focus of quaternary prevention?
To mitigate or avoid unnecessary or excessive medical interventions and protect patients from over-diagnosis and over-treatment.
Who is the target population for quaternary prevention?
Patients at risk of receiving unnecessary or harmful medical interventions.
What strategies are used in quaternary prevention?
Promoting shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.
Avoiding unnecessary tests or treatments.
Encouraging a patient-centered approach to care.
What is an example of quaternary prevention?
Discussing potential risks and benefits of a medical intervention with a patient before proceeding.
Primary vs Secondary Health Prevention:
Primary Prevention: Focuses on preventing diseases from occurring by addressing risk factors and promoting health (e.g., immunisations, healthy lifestyle campaigns).
Secondary Prevention: Focuses on early detection and intervention to minimise the impact of diseases that have already started to develop (e.g., screenings, early treatment).
Shared Importance: Both are essential components of a comprehensive public health strategy to improve overall population health and well-being.
Primary prevention targets ________ to stop diseases from occurring, while secondary prevention focuses on ________ to reduce disease progression.
risk factors; early detection
A health campaign encourages smoking cessation. Is this primary or secondary prevention?
Primary prevention, as it addresses a risk factor to prevent disease development.
A free screening program for diabetes is launched. Is this primary or secondary prevention?
Secondary prevention, as it focuses on early detection and management of a developing condition.
What is the main distinction between primary and secondary prevention?
Primary prevention prevents disease occurrence, while secondary prevention mitigates the impact of diseases already in early stages.
Both primary and secondary prevention aim to improve ________ and reduce ________ within the population.
health outcomes; disease burden
