Which term describes prevention before disease arises?

• A. Primary Prevention
• B. Secondary Prevention
• C. Tertiary Prevention
• D. Quaternary Prevention

Answer: (A)

Prevention before disease arises focuses on stopping disease from occurring by reducing risk factors and promoting health. That approach aims to prevent the onset of illness or injury entirely, which is why it is described as primary prevention. Examples include vaccination, health education, and lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco or risky environments. In contrast, secondary prevention works to detect disease early (such as screenings) to prevent it from becoming worse, while tertiary prevention aims to reduce damage and disability once a disease is established. Quaternary prevention involves protecting patients from overmedicalization and unnecessary interventions. So the term for preventing disease before it arises is primary prevention.