Which level of prevention begins after an illness is diagnosed and treated, with goals of reducing disability and maximizing functioning?

• A. Primary level
• B. Secondary level
• C. Tertiary level
• D. Health Belief Model

Answer: (B)

Levels of prevention describe when actions occur in relation to disease. When illness has already been diagnosed and treated, the aim shifts to reducing the impact of the disease on daily life and preventing further disability—that's tertiary prevention. It centers on rehabilitation, maximizing functioning, and preventing complications after the disease has begun. For example, rehabilitation after a stroke or ongoing physical therapy after serious illness to restore independence illustrates tertiary prevention. Primary prevention would prevent the disease from occurring in the first place (like vaccines or lifestyle changes), secondary prevention involves early detection to prevent progression (such as screening before disability develops), and the Health Belief Model is a theory about why people take health actions, not a prevention level.