Concept explainer: Prevention

Our Concept Explainer series explores ‘Prevention’ through a public health lens, recognising that health is influenced not only by healthcare services, but also by the wider social, economic, and environmental conditions that affect people's health and wellbeing.

It explores the three levels of prevention:

• Primary prevention focuses on addressing the underlying causes of poor health and inequality, building resilience and preventing problems from arising through population-level action, including the work of third sector and community organisations. Examples include tobacco control and smoke-free environments, housing standards regulations, vaccination programmes, living wage policies, community wealth building approaches, initiatives that promote healthy eating and physical activity, financial inclusion initiatives, and community development approaches.
• Secondary prevention focuses on identifying risks or early signs of a problem and taking early action to prevent it from developing or worsening. Examples include cancer screening programmes, social prescribing, Community Link Workers, health checks, befriending and mental health support and targeted family and youth work support programmes.
• Tertiary prevention focuses on supporting people with existing conditions to reduce complications, maintain wellbeing, and improve quality of life. Examples include rehabilitation services, structured diabetes management, community-based dementia support activities, recovery communities, and peer support groups for people living with long-term conditions.

Useful link: Defining Prevention - gov.scot