What is a primary aim of health promotion programs?

The primary aim of health promotion programs is to educate and empower individuals in health-related decision-making. This approach enables people to take an active role in their health, understand the risks associated with lifestyle choices, and adopt healthier behaviors. By providing education, resources, and tools, health promotion initiatives equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health, ultimately leading to a reduction in the prevalence of preventable diseases. Empowering individuals encourages them to take responsibility for their health, fostering a culture of prevention and wellness rather than solely focusing on treatment after illness occurs.

The other options focus on aspects that are contrary to the fundamental principles of health promotion. Increasing healthcare costs would detract from accessibility and efficiency, creating barriers instead of fostering healthier communities. Creating dependence on healthcare services undermines the goal of fostering independence and self-management of health. Focusing on disease treatment rather than prevention goes against the essence of health promotion, which emphasizes prevention as a means to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.