Biostatistics & Research · single question
The number of NEW cases of a specific disease occurring during a particular time period is defined as:
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Correct answer: B. Incidence
Incidence (B) measures the NUMBER OF NEW CASES arising in a defined population during a specific time period. It reflects the RISK of developing a disease.
• Prevalence (A) measures ALL existing cases (both new and old) at a specific point in time or over a period. It is a snapshot of disease burden in a population.
• Memory trick: Incidence = Incoming new cases | Prevalence = Pool of all cases
• Relationship: Prevalence ≈ Incidence × Duration of disease
• If a disease has short duration (patients recover or die quickly), prevalence ≈ incidence. If chronic, prevalence >> incidence.
• Prevalence (A) measures ALL existing cases (both new and old) at a specific point in time or over a period. It is a snapshot of disease burden in a population.
• Memory trick: Incidence = Incoming new cases | Prevalence = Pool of all cases
• Relationship: Prevalence ≈ Incidence × Duration of disease
• If a disease has short duration (patients recover or die quickly), prevalence ≈ incidence. If chronic, prevalence >> incidence.
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