Which term refers to the examination of health needs of entire populations to prevent health problems?

The term that refers to the examination of health needs of entire populations to prevent health problems is public health. This field encompasses a range of activities aimed at protecting and improving the health of communities through education, policy-making, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health initiatives can include health education campaigns, vaccination programs, and regulations to ensure clean water and safe food.

In contrast, secondary prevention focuses on early detection and treatment of diseases to reduce severity and complications, while primary prevention aims at preventing diseases or injuries before they occur through proactive measures. "Adduction," on the other hand, is not related to public health; it typically refers to the movement of a body part toward the midline, primarily used in an anatomical context. Therefore, understanding the role and scope of public health in addressing community-wide health needs emphasizes its importance in preventing health problems at the population level.