Ace the 2025 Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Exam – Become a Prevention Pro!

The term "Universal" is aligned with one of the three types of prevention approaches outlined in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) health care model, specifically in the context of public health and prevention strategies. Universal prevention approaches are designed to target entire populations regardless of their risk status. This method focuses on broad-based, community-level initiatives intended to promote health and prevent problems before they occur, which contrasts with selective and indicated prevention strategies that concentrate on specific groups at higher risk or individuals who are already experiencing problems.

In public health, the goal of universal prevention is to implement strategies that can lead to overall societal improvements in health, thus addressing the root causes of issues before they manifest. This foundational understanding is crucial in the context of the IOM model, which emphasizes a comprehensive approach to health care and prevention.

The other options represent more specific or targeted interventions that do not fit within the universal approach framework. Children of Substance Abusing Parents, High-Risk Youth, and Substance Abusers all refer to particular groups that may require selective or indicated prevention strategies, focusing on those at an elevated risk of experiencing negative health outcomes rather than the population as a whole.