A district adds fluoride to its public water supply to reduce dental caries. In terms of levels of prevention and modes of intervention, this measure is classified as:
- A Specific protection ✓
- B Health promotion
- C Early diagnosis and treatment
- D Disability limitation
Correct answer: A. Specific protection
Explanation
Specific protection refers to measures aimed at protection against a specific disease agent, and Park lists water fluoridation, immunization and use of specific nutrients as its classic examples. Health promotion is broader general improvement of health through education, nutrition and lifestyle measures, which makes it the most tempting distractor here. Fluoridation targets one specific disease process, dental caries, so it falls under specific protection within primary prevention.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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