What is the main aim of tertiary prevention?

The primary aim of tertiary prevention is to reduce complications and improve the quality of life after a disease has already occurred. This type of prevention focuses on managing the long-term effects of a disease and minimizing the potential for further deterioration in health. It involves rehabilitation, treatment, and support to help individuals regain their health, maintain function, and enhance their well-being following the onset of a disease. For instance, managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease involves strategies that help prevent complications and support individuals in living their best lives despite their health challenges.

The other options relate to different aspects of disease prevention. The prevention of disease spread is associated with primary prevention efforts, which aim to stop diseases from occurring in the first place. Screening services pertain to secondary prevention, which focuses on early diagnosis and intervention to prevent disease progression. Eliminating a disease from the population is an ambitious goal often associated with eradicating infectious diseases and spans beyond personal health management, aligning more closely with public health initiatives rather than individual patient care.