Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

How does primary prevention differ from secondary prevention of diseases?

1. Primary prevention aims at increasing resistance, while secondary focuses on symptom management.

2. Primary prevention aims to control symptoms, while secondary aims at disease causal factors.

3. Primary prevention addresses causative factors, whereas secondary prevention concerns early detection and treatment of the disease.

4. Primary prevention focuses on acute disease, while secondary concentrates on chronic conditions.

The correct answer is: Primary prevention addresses causative factors, whereas secondary prevention concerns early detection and treatment of the disease.

Primary prevention is centered around strategies and measures that are designed to prevent diseases before they occur. This involves addressing the root causes or risk factors associated with diseases, such as promoting healthy lifestyles, vaccinations, and public health policies aimed at reducing exposure to harmful agents. The goal is to maintain health and prevent diseases from developing in the first place. In contrast, secondary prevention is focused on early detection and prompt treatment of diseases that have already begun to develop. This prevention stage involves screening processes, diagnostic testing, and early interventions to halt or slow the progression of diseases. It targets individuals who may be at risk or who are in the early stages of a disease, ensuring that treatment can be initiated before the disease manifests severely or becomes more complicated. Thus, the correct option highlights that primary prevention is concerned with causative factors, aiming to stop diseases before they start, while secondary prevention emphasizes early detection and treatment, aligning with the objective to manage diseases that are already present. The distinction underscores the preventive approach versus the early intervention strategy within public health practices.