LEVELS OF PREVENTION

Primordial prevention

Policies and laws that protect populations.

Examples:

1. tobacco free policies in public buildings, restaurants, and bars

2. seatbelt laws
Primary prevention

Interventions that prevent disease from occurring.

Examples:

1. handwashing

2. vaccinations
Secondary prevention

Interventions that involve screening and detection of asymptomatic disease to improve outcomes.

Examples:

1. mammograms

2. HIV tests
Tertiary prevention

Treatment or therapy that involves an intervention to reduce complications of established disease.

Examples:

1. ophthalmology examinations in diabetic patients

2. physical therapy following an injury
3. statin use in post-myocardial patients
4. cardiac rehabilitation following a heart attack.
Source: https://courses.fortlewis.edu/courses/20147/pages/levels-of-prevention-april-26-april-30