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

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

Answer: (C)

The identified correct answer is a screening event for all patients over age 55 with the Geriatric Depression Scale, which is a clear example of a secondary health preventative measure. Secondary prevention aims to identify and address health issues at an early stage, before they result in more significant problems or complications. Screening techniques are vital in this context as they help detect conditions like depression early in the population at risk, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable.

Engaging in screening allows for early intervention, thus reducing the severity of the disorder and further promoting mental health outcomes. In this case, using the Geriatric Depression Scale to assess individuals specifically targets early recognition of depressive symptoms, which can lead to timely treatment and prevention of more severe consequences.

In contrast, the public service campaign to educate about depression leans more toward primary prevention, focusing on raising awareness and preventing the initial onset of the disorder. Treatment programs for depression and support groups are more aligned with intervention and management, representing tertiary prevention, where the focus is on managing long-standing conditions rather than early detection. Thus, they do not encapsulate the essence of secondary prevention as effectively as the screening event does.