Which level of prevention is designed to reduce the severity of illness through early detection?

The correct answer is secondary prevention, which focuses specifically on early detection of health issues to reduce the severity of illness. This level of prevention encompasses strategies such as screenings and diagnostic tests that allow for identification of diseases at an early stage, when they are often more manageable and treatment can be more effective.

Secondary prevention plays a crucial role in public health by enabling timely interventions that can either halt the progression of disease or significantly diminish its impact on individuals. Common examples include mammograms for breast cancer detection and blood pressure screenings for hypertension. By detecting health issues early, secondary prevention can lead to better health outcomes and can help reduce the need for more severe treatments later on.

The other levels of prevention have different focuses. Primary prevention aims to prevent illness before it occurs, such as through vaccinations or health education, while tertiary prevention focuses on managing and rehabilitating individuals with existing health conditions to improve their quality of life. Quaternary prevention is about preventing unnecessary interventions in patients who may be over-treated or are at risk for harm from medical practices. Each level serves a unique purpose in the continuum of care.