Which program is an example of secondary prevention?

Which program is an example of secondary prevention?

• A. Community-wide nutrition program at fast-food establishments
• B. Immunoglobulin G administration within two weeks of exposure
• C. Alcoholics Anonymous
• D. Exercise program for persons who have had a stroke

Answer: (B)

Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention after exposure or early illness to prevent progression of disease. Administering immunoglobulin G within two weeks of exposure is post-exposure prophylaxis—given after exposure to a potential pathogen to prevent the disease from developing. This directly prevents disease onset and progression, which is the essence of secondary prevention. The other examples align with different aims: a nutrition program in the community aims to prevent disease before exposure (primary prevention); Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on ongoing treatment and relapse prevention rather than early post-exposure intervention; and an exercise program for stroke survivors is rehabilitation to restore function and prevent complications from established disease (tertiary prevention).

Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention after exposure or early illness to prevent progression of disease. Administering immunoglobulin G within two weeks of exposure is post-exposure prophylaxis—given after exposure to a potential pathogen to prevent the disease from developing. This directly prevents disease onset and progression, which is the essence of secondary prevention. The other examples align with different aims: a nutrition program in the community aims to prevent disease before exposure (primary prevention); Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on ongoing treatment and relapse prevention rather than early post-exposure intervention; and an exercise program for stroke survivors is rehabilitation to restore function and prevent complications from established disease (tertiary prevention).