Primary prevention aims to prevent what?

• A. treatment after symptoms appear
• B. disease from even starting
• C. detection of existing disease
• D. rehabilitation after injury

Answer: (B)

Primary prevention focuses on stopping disease from starting in the first place by reducing or eliminating the causes and risk factors. This means actions taken when the person is still healthy, aiming to prevent the onset of illness altogether. Vaccinations, promoting hand hygiene, safe sex practices, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and environmental controls are classic examples. Because the goal is to prevent the disease before it occurs, this approach is about reducing incidence and avoiding the initial development of illness.

The other options describe actions taken after disease has already begun or after damage has occurred. Treatment after symptoms appear is about managing what has already started, not preventing it. Detecting an existing disease through screening targets early identification but not prevention of its onset. Rehabilitation after injury focuses on reducing disability and restoring function after damage has occurred, which is a tertiary/rehabilitative aim rather than prevention.