prevenciji

Prevencija is the set of measures and actions aimed at preventing harm, disease, or other adverse outcomes before they occur. It is a central concept in public health, safety, and risk management, focusing on reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors to improve well-being and reduce costs.

In health and medicine, prevention is commonly divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury (for example, vaccination, health education, and lifestyle promotion). Secondary prevention seeks early disease detection (screening, regular checkups) to stop progression. Tertiary prevention minimizes damage after illness or injury (rehabilitation, chronic disease management).

Prevencija also covers safety, environmental, and social policy applications. This includes designing safer products and built environments, enforcing safety standards, reducing exposure to hazards, and implementing programs to prevent accidents, injuries, or adverse events. In crime prevention, strategies aim to deter crime, reduce opportunities for wrongdoing, and support vulnerable groups.

Effectiveness is assessed by indicators such as incidence and mortality rates, prevalence, costs saved, and quality of life measures. Evaluation combines epidemiological data, economic analysis, and program reviews to guide resource allocation and policy decisions.

Etymology and usage: the term prevencija is used in several South Slavic languages and is closely related to the English word prevention. It derives from Latin roots meaning to come before, reflecting its forward-looking character.