What does primary prevention aim to achieve?

Primary prevention aims to prevent disease before it occurs, which is fundamental to public health strategies. This approach is centered on reducing the incidence of diseases and health issues by implementing measures that improve overall health and prevent risk factors associated with disease development. Examples of primary prevention strategies include vaccination programs, health education, and promoting lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular physical activity. By addressing potential health threats before they manifest, primary prevention plays a crucial role in enhancing population health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Other options focus on different aspects of healthcare. For instance, reducing complications after disease onset targets secondary prevention, which involves early detection and management of diseases to prevent further complications. Managing ongoing health conditions relates to tertiary prevention, which is concerned with rehabilitation and preventing disease progression. Lastly, focusing solely on treatment of existing diseases overlooks the importance of preventive measures and misses the overarching goal of primary prevention.