Concept of health and disease mnemonic

Levels of prevention

The mnemonic

Prim-Pri-Sec-Ter

What each word stands for

  • PrimordialPrevent risk factors from emerging
  • PrimaryPrevent disease in the exposed, such as immunisation
  • SecondaryEarly diagnosis and treatment
  • TertiaryLimit disability and rehabilitate

Why it matters clinically

Lets you place any intervention, from vaccination to physiotherapy, at its correct level.

Where it stops being reliable

It lists the levels only; it does not tell you which examples belong to which level.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Concept of health and disease mnemonic?

Prim-Pri-Sec-Ter. It helps you recall: Levels of prevention.

What does "Primordial" stand for?

Prevent risk factors from emerging

What does "Primary" stand for?

Prevent disease in the exposed, such as immunisation

What does "Secondary" stand for?

Early diagnosis and treatment

What are all the parts of the Prim-Pri-Sec-Ter mnemonic?

Primordial: Prevent risk factors from emerging; Primary: Prevent disease in the exposed, such as immunisation; Secondary: Early diagnosis and treatment; Tertiary: Limit disability and rehabilitate.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Concept of health and disease in PSM.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

It lists the levels only; it does not tell you which examples belong to which level.

How is this useful clinically?

Lets you place any intervention, from vaccination to physiotherapy, at its correct level.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a PSM question about Concept of health and disease.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.