Which is an example of a primary prevention strategy?

Which is an example of a primary prevention strategy?

• A. Providing acute care after injury
• B. Community awareness programs that emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving
• C. Blood pressure screening in clinic
• D. Treating a patient after an exposure

Answer: (D)

Primary prevention aims to stop health problems before they start by reducing risk factors and promoting protective behaviors. Education and programs that encourage safer choices to prevent injuries are classic examples of this approach. In this case, community awareness campaigns about the dangers of drinking and driving strive to prevent crashes and injuries before they occur, making them a primary prevention effort. In contrast, providing care after an injury delivers treatment for harm that has already happened, which is not preventive. Screening for high blood pressure is done to detect disease early (secondary prevention), and treating someone after an exposure is also a post-exposure step (secondary).

Primary prevention aims to stop health problems before they start by reducing risk factors and promoting protective behaviors. Education and programs that encourage safer choices to prevent injuries are classic examples of this approach. In this case, community awareness campaigns about the dangers of drinking and driving strive to prevent crashes and injuries before they occur, making them a primary prevention effort. In contrast, providing care after an injury delivers treatment for harm that has already happened, which is not preventive. Screening for high blood pressure is done to detect disease early (secondary prevention), and treating someone after an exposure is also a post-exposure step (secondary).