What is the primary goal of tertiary prevention?

The primary goal of tertiary prevention is to restore health and rehabilitation after a disease or illness has already occurred. This level of prevention focuses on reducing the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. It involves interventions designed to improve quality of life, minimize disability, and help the individual manage long-term health problems. Examples of tertiary prevention include rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from a stroke, support groups for those managing chronic diseases, and medication management for preventing further complications.

While preventing diseases is vital, that approach is more aligned with primary prevention. Promoting healthy lifestyles fits within the realm of secondary prevention, as it encourages early detection and intervention before the disease progresses. Reducing health disparities focuses more on addressing inequalities in health access and outcomes, which does not directly fall under the scope of tertiary prevention. Therefore, the emphasis on rehabilitation and restoration of health clearly aligns with the goals of tertiary prevention.