Epidemiology: 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 · Epidemiology

Sample item

What does incidence measure in a population over a defined period?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. New cases occurring among people at risk

Incidence measures newly occurring disease among people at risk over time and is useful for studying risk and evaluating prevention.

Option by option

  • A. The average duration of illness

    Duration influences prevalence but is not incidence itself.

  • B. New cases occurring among people at risk (correct)

    Correct: incidence counts new events in an at-risk population.

  • C. All existing cases at one moment

    Prevalence includes existing cases, not only new ones.

  • D. Deaths from every cause only

    Mortality is a different outcome measure.

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.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is B, New cases occurring among people at risk. Incidence measures newly occurring disease among people at risk over time and is useful for studying risk and evaluating prevention.

Why is "The average duration of illness" not the answer?

Duration influences prevalence but is not incidence itself.

Why is "All existing cases at one moment" not the answer?

Prevalence includes existing cases, not only new ones.

Why is "Deaths from every cause only" not the answer?

Mortality is a different outcome measure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: incidence counts new events in an at-risk population.

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 Epidemiology?

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.