Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What do public health ethics primarily provide?

1. Motivation based on ideas of right and wrong

2. Values that guide actions to promote health and prevent injury and disease

3. Principles of conduct governing an individual or profession

4. A branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct

The correct answer is: Values that guide actions to promote health and prevent injury and disease

Public health ethics primarily provides values that guide actions to promote health and prevent injury and disease. This framework is essential in public health as it helps professionals navigate complex situations where health and well-being are at stake. These values influence decision-making processes regarding health policies, resource allocation, and community health initiatives. In the context of public health, having a solid foundation of guiding values ensures that actions are taken not merely based on legal or technical considerations but also in a manner that prioritizes health equity, social justice, and the overall well-being of populations. By establishing this ethical framework, public health professionals can effectively address moral dilemmas and challenge inequities that impact health outcomes. While the other options touch on various aspects of ethics, they do not encapsulate the essence of public health ethics as comprehensively as the concept of guiding values for promoting health and preventing disease.