Evolving Definitions of Primary Prevention

  • Martin Bloom
  • Thomas P. Gullotta
Chapter

Abstract

Definitions matter! How we define a field of study strongly influences how we select research problems, choose variables to be studied, and interpret the data. Indirectly, these influence how users of our information construct their programs in the community. The definitions that have guided the field of primary prevention have been evolving. This does not necessarily mean changing for the better; they have simply changed to fit other systems of values. We will present the evolving definitions of primary prevention regarding the promotion of health and the prevention of illness and we will offer a working definition of the beginning of the 21st century. Briefly stated, primary prevention involves activities that (1) prevent predictable problems, (2) protect existing states of health or healthy functioning, and (3) promote desired goals for a population of people in three possible contexts: universally, as a basic utility for everyone’s benefit; selectively, for groups at risk and with potential; and as indicated for groups at very high risk.

Keywords

Primary Prevention Oxford English Dictionary Tertiary Prevention Health Promotion Effort Healthy Functioning 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2003

Authors and Affiliations

  • Martin Bloom
  • Thomas P. Gullotta

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