pubh 3

primary prevention

Prevents disease before it occurs (e.g., vaccines, healthy eating education).

secondary prevention

Detects disease early to reduce severity (e.g., cancer screenings, blood pressure checks).

tertiary prevention

Reduces complications in those already affected (e.g., rehab, medication for diabetes).

upstream approach

Focuses on addressing social, environmental, and policy factors before health problems occur (e.g., poverty reduction, housing policies).

Social Ecological Model (SEM)

A framework that shows how multiple levels influence health behavior: individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy.

SEM intervention at the individual level

Health education about healthy eating.

SEM intervention at the interpersonal level

Peer support groups for quitting smoking.

SEM intervention at the organizational level

Workplace wellness programs.

SEM intervention at the community level

Community gardens or safe parks for activity.

SEM intervention at the policy level

Soda taxes or laws requiring school lunches to meet nutritional standards.

Type I evidence

Evidence that a health problem exists and affects populations (e.g., epidemiologic data showing high obesity rates).

Type II evidence

Evidence about the effectiveness of interventions (e.g., studies showing exercise reduces heart disease).

Type III evidence

Evidence on how to implement interventions in real-world settings (e.g., strategies for school-based nutrition programs).