Under the National Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme, preschool children receive six-monthly megadose supplementation. In terms of levels and modes of prevention, this measure is classified as:

• A Primary prevention, specific protection ✓
• B Primordial prevention, health promotion
• C Secondary prevention, early diagnosis and treatment
• D Tertiary prevention, rehabilitation

Explanation

Primary prevention has two modes: health promotion, which raises general resistance through nutrition, education and environment, and specific protection, which uses defined agents against specific diseases. B nutrient supplement given to prevent a named deficiency disorder is the textbook example of specific protection. Secondary prevention begins only after early disease is detectable, which does not apply to asymptomatic children receiving prophylaxis.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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