What is an example of tertiary prevention in a community health program?

• A. Rehabilitation services and preventing complications after a stroke
• B. Vaccination campaigns to prevent infectious diseases
• C. Screening programs to detect disease early
• D. Health education to promote healthy lifestyles

Answer: (A)

Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing disability and preventing further complications once a disease or injury has already occurred. Rehabilitation services after a stroke fit this, because the stroke has happened, and the goal is to minimize lasting disability, restore function, and prevent secondary problems like contractures or pneumonia. Vaccination campaigns prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, so they are primary prevention. Screening programs aim to find disease early so treatment can start sooner, which is secondary prevention. Health education to promote healthy lifestyles is about preventing disease before it develops, also primary prevention.