Which statement describes primary prevention?

• A. Forestall onset of illness during the prepathogenesis period
• B. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment before disease becomes advanced
• C. Rehabilitation following significant pathogenesis; retrain, reeducate, rehabilitate
• D. Preventing complications after disease has started

Answer: (A)

Primary prevention aims to stop disease from starting in the first place by acting in the prepathogenesis period and reducing exposures or risk factors before any disease process begins. This is why “forestall onset of illness during the prepathogenesis period” best fits—it describes preventing illness before it develops, with examples like vaccination, health-promoting behaviors, and environmental protections that reduce initial risk.

The other statements describe actions taken after disease processes have begun. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment before disease becomes advanced is about detecting disease early to prevent progression (secondary prevention). Rehabilitation following significant pathogenesis focuses on reducing disability and restoring function after disease has caused damage (tertiary prevention). Preventing complications after disease has started is also a tertiary prevention aim, aiming to minimize further harm once disease is present.