Which level of prevention is associated with avoiding the development of disease and removing risk factors?

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

Answer: (A)

Preventing disease before it starts by removing risk factors and promoting healthy choices is the focus here. This approach aims to stop disease from developing in the first place, using actions like vaccination, reducing tobacco use, healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, safe environments, and early management of risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Secondary prevention, by contrast, is about finding disease early to prevent it from getting worse, using screening and early treatment. Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing damage and disability once a disease is established, through treatment and rehabilitation. Quaternary prevention deals with avoiding unnecessary or excessive medical interventions.