Concept of health and disease: elimination versus eradication: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Concept of health and disease: elimination versus eradication

Sample item

Reduction of disease incidence to zero in a defined geographical area as a result of deliberate efforts, with continued intervention needed to prevent re-establishment, is called:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Elimination

Elimination refers to zero incidence in a defined area with continued measures. Eradication is permanent worldwide reduction to zero so that interventions are no longer needed. Control only reduces disease to a locally acceptable level.

Option by option

  • A. Eradication

    Eradication is global and permanent, so intervention can stop, as with smallpox.

  • B. Control

    Control reduces burden but does not need to reach zero.

  • C. Extinction

    Extinction means the agent no longer exists anywhere, even in laboratories.

  • D. Elimination (correct)

    Correct. Regional zero incidence with ongoing interventions is elimination.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, Elimination. Elimination refers to zero incidence in a defined area with continued measures.

Why is "Eradication" not the answer?

Eradication is global and permanent, so intervention can stop, as with smallpox.

Why is "Control" not the answer?

Control reduces burden but does not need to reach zero.

Why is "Extinction" not the answer?

Extinction means the agent no longer exists anywhere, even in laboratories.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Concept of health and disease: elimination versus eradication in PSM. Eradication is permanent worldwide reduction to zero so that interventions are no longer needed. Control only reduces disease to a locally acceptable level.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Concept of health and disease: elimination versus eradication?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.