Primary Prevention

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1. What is primary prevention in a community setting? Is primary prevention cost effective?

Primary prevention is the "prevention of disease or mental disorders in susceptible individuals or populations through promotion of health, including mental health, and specific protection, as in immunization, as distinguished from the prevention of complications or after-effects of existing disease." (www.worldmedicus.com)

In health care, primary prevention addresses proactive "treatment" to prevent health problems before they arise, and also promotes modification of behaviors or risk factors that are associated with a given health outcome. This can range from the individual reducing his or her intake of refined sugar to lower the risk of developing diabetes, to promoting healthy, loving family relationships in an effort to prevent mental health problems. (http://www.cape.ca/children/prev.html)

It is cost effective because through community education and promotion campaigns, it prevents diseases from occurring and decreases health care costs. (http://www.cape.ca/children/prev.html)

Read more at http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/2952/Prevention-Disease-PRIMARY-PREVENTION.html.

2. Why should comprehensive programs address all levels of prevention?

Primary prevention works together with the other two levels of prevention (i.e. secondary and tertiary) to be most effective and ...