Question

discuss the importance of different levels of prevention used in global/public health strategies for addressing risk factors for specific diseases or health issues. How would these strategies influence health transitions at the population level? show supportive evidence and refereneces

Answer 1

Levels of prevention are :-

- primary level - it aims at prevention of disease or injury before it occurs . This is done by preventing the risk factors which cause the disease , modification of unhealthy behaviour ,health education , immunization , and laws to ban the use of hazardous product and mandate safe and healthy habits like wearing helmets , seatbelt etc

- Secondary level - aims is to reduce the affect of disease or injury that has already occurred. This is done by early diagnosis and treatment of disease to prevent the progression and strategies to promote health and prevent the reccurrence.

- Tertiary level - its aim is to reduce the affect of ongoing disease for long term. In this care is provided to improve the quality of life, ability to function and life expectancy .

Levels of prevention leads to health promotion by the following strategies :-

- healthy public policy

- supportive environment for health

-strengthen community action for health

- development of personal skills

- reorient health services

All these lead to the transition of health. The above-mentioned strategies are done at national and international level .

Example - maternal and neonatal health status improved ,the mortality rates , morbidity rates are all reduced due to the initiative of many maternal and child health care policies by the government at state , national and international level.

Evidence - maternal mortality rate (1990-2015) declined by 44% from 385 to 216 dealths per 100000 live births. An average annual rate of reduction of 2.3% .

References - http://data.unicef.org - maternal -health

- www.who.int