Definition

To prevent either the onset or the progress of a disease

or to restore function lost due to a disease.

Depending upon the disease stages prevention is divided into:

Primary

Secondary &

Tertiary stages

PRIMARY PREVENTION:

It is aimed at controlling a disease at the prepathogenic stage i.e., before the onset of a disease.

Primary Prevention is provided by:

Health promotion;

example - health education

 

Specific protection;

example - immunization

SECONDARY PREVENTION:

It is aimed at treating a disease at the early and advanced pathogenic stage i.e., after the onset of a disease but before any functional disability has resulted for it.

Secondary prevention is provided by

early diagnosis and prompt treatment;

example - periodic oral examination.

TERTIARY PREVENTION

It is aimed at treating the late pathogenic or final stages of a disease i.e., replacement of lost tissue or function.

Tertiary prevention is provided by:

Disability limitation; example periodontal surgery

Rehabilitation; partial denture

 

Is primary prevention the best method of

prevention for all diseases?

Depends upon factors affecting the mode of prevention.              

Prevalence of the disease

Availability of primary preventive procedures

Cost/Benefit consideration

Acceptance by the public

PREVALENCE:

The total number of cases of a disease in existence

at a certain time in a designated area.

 

INCIDENCE:

(When defined in relationship with a disease)

at which the number of new cases of a specific disease occur during a

certain period.

MORBIDITY:

The sick rate; the ratio of sick to well persons in a community.

MORTALITY: