Which type of strategy can reduce or eliminate causative risk factors?

• A. Tertiary prevention
• B. Quaternary prevention
• C. Primary prevention
• D. Secondary prevention

Answer: (C)

Addressing causative risk factors before disease develops is a fundamental idea in public health. The strategy that reduces or eliminates these factors is primary prevention, because it acts at the very start of the disease process, aiming to prevent the disease from ever occurring by removing or reducing exposure to risk factors or by strengthening defenses. Examples include immunizations to prevent infections, programs to reduce tobacco use, sanitation improvements to prevent diarrheal diseases, and water fluoridation to prevent dental caries. In contrast, secondary prevention involves detecting disease early to prevent progression; tertiary prevention reduces complications once disease is established; and quaternary prevention focuses on avoiding overmedicalization. Therefore, primary prevention best targets causative risk factors before disease arises.