Which statement best describes primary prevention in mental health?

• A. Reduce impairment after illness established (rehab)
• B. Prevent onset of illness through promotion and education
• C. Detect early disease via screening
• D. Provide palliative care at end of life

Answer: (B)

Primary prevention aims to stop mental health problems before they start by promoting mental well-being and reducing risk factors. It involves things like school and community programs that teach coping skills, stress management, healthy sleep and nutrition, substance misuse prevention, and efforts to reduce stigma so people seek help early. By building protective factors and reducing exposure to risks, the focus is on lowering the incidence of mental health conditions. That’s why the statement describing prevention of onset through promotion and education is the best fit.

In contrast, trying to reduce impairment after illness is already established describes rehab or treatment after problems appear; screening is about detecting illness early (secondary prevention); and palliative care at end of life is about comfort and quality of life rather than preventing illness.