LEVELS OF PREVENTION

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MSD Manual Consumer Version

The three levels of prevention are primary, secondary, and tertiary.

In primary prevention, a disorder is actually prevented from developing.

Types of primary prevention include the following:

 Vaccinations
 Counseling to change high-risk behavior
 Sometimes chemoprevention

In secondary prevention, disease is detected and treated early, often before

symptoms are present, thus minimizing serious consequences.
Types of secondary prevention include the following:

 Screening programs, such as mammography to detect breast cancer and

dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to detect osteoporosis.
 Tracking down the sex partners of a person diagnosed with a sexually
transmitted infection (contact tracing) and, if necessary, treating these
people to minimize spread of the disease.

In tertiary prevention, an existing, usually chronic disease is managed to

prevent complications or further damage.
Types of tertiary prevention include the following:

 For people with diabetes: Control of blood sugar, excellent skin care,
frequent examination of the feet, and frequent exercise to prevent heart
and blood vessel disorders
 For people who have had a stroke: Taking aspirin to prevent a second
stroke from occurring
  Providing supportive and rehabilitative services to prevent deterioration
and maximize quality of life, such as rehabilitation from injuries, heart
attack, or stroke
 Preventing complications in people with disabilities, such as preventing
pressure sores in those confined to bed.

LEVELS OF CLIENTELE

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1. individual, 2. family, 3. population group (those who share common

characteristics, developmental stages and common exposure to health problems
– e.g. children, elderly), and the 4. community.

ETHICAL VALUES IN PUBLIC HEALTH

WHO
respect for persons: intentional act of showing consideration for another
person’s interest and well-being.
beneficence: act of charity, mercy, kindness, moral obligations
justice: fair and equitable treatment of individuals
utility: right action that promotes happiness and peace
solidarity: shared practices reflecting collective commitment to carry “costs” to
assist others.
nonmaleficence: obligation of physician not to harm the patient

DEMOGRAPHY
Sources of Demographic Date: census, surveys, administrative records (UN
Statistics Divisions)
Health Status Indicators: physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, mental,
and social well-being (Pan American Health Organization)