Which scenario best illustrates a downstream intervention?

• A. Inpatient gait rehabilitation after a stroke
• B. Population-wide health promotion campaign
• C. Public policy advocacy for insurance reform
• D. Screening for monthly checkups

Answer: (A)

Downstream interventions are actions taken after a health problem has already occurred to reduce its consequences and restore function, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation for the individual. Inpatient gait rehabilitation after a stroke fits this idea because the event has happened and the goal is to relearn walking, regain mobility, and decrease disability through targeted therapy.

By contrast, a population-wide health promotion campaign aims to prevent problems at the community level, an insurance reform effort addresses systemic factors, and screening for monthly checkups is a preventive measure to detect issues early rather than treat damage already done.