What is the focus of primary prevention in community health?

Primary prevention focuses on preventing disease before it occurs, which is essential in community health. This approach aims to reduce the risk factors associated with illnesses through various strategies, including health education, immunizations, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

By targeting the root causes of disease and implementing proactive measures, primary prevention seeks to enhance overall community health and decrease the incidence of diseases. This can involve initiatives such as advocating for healthier dietary choices, increasing physical activity in the population, or reducing environmental hazards.

In contrast, the other choices relate to secondary and tertiary prevention. The treatment of chronic diseases pertains to managing health conditions that have already developed, while early detection of illnesses involves screening for diseases to catch them in their initial stages. Rehabilitation for the disabled focuses on helping individuals recover functionality after an illness or injury has occurred. Thus, these approaches come into play after the onset of disease, distinguishing them from the proactive stance of primary prevention.