Which of the following is an example of a secondary health preventative measure?

• A. A public service campaign to educate about depression
• B. A program to treat depression and prevent suicide
• C. A screening event for patients over age 55
• D. A support group for patients with depression

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is a screening event for patients over age 55 because it represents a secondary preventive measure aimed at early detection of depression and other health conditions. Secondary prevention focuses on identifying and managing health issues at an early stage, thus preventing progression or severe impact. Screening events provide critical opportunities for the early identification of mental health issues, leading to timely intervention and support.

While all the other options relate to mental health, their purposes differ. A public service campaign to educate about depression is primary prevention, aiming to prevent the onset of mental health issues through awareness. A program to treat depression and prevent suicide directly addresses existing issues, aligning more with tertiary prevention, which focuses on managing established conditions. Similarly, a support group for patients with depression is part of rehabilitative care, also fitting into tertiary prevention, as it supports those already diagnosed with depression rather than preventing its onset.