Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

When a person is healthy, without any signs or symptoms of disease, what level of prevention is most appropriate?

1. Primary prevention

2. Secondary prevention

3. Tertiary prevention

4. No prevention level is needed

The correct answer is: Primary prevention

The most appropriate level of prevention for a person who is healthy and shows no signs or symptoms of disease is primary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on preventing the onset of disease and maintaining health before any disease or health issue occurs. This can include activities such as vaccination, health education, promoting a healthy lifestyle (such as a balanced diet and regular exercise), and environmental modifications. The goal is to reduce the risk factors that could lead to disease, thereby protecting overall health and wellbeing. While secondary prevention aims to catch diseases early through screening and early detection in individuals who may not yet have symptoms, and tertiary prevention focuses on managing and improving the quality of life for those who already have a disease, these strategies are not applicable to someone who is currently healthy. Therefore, when someone shows no signs of disease, primary prevention strategies are the most appropriate and effective approach to maintain their health.