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 is attributable risk in an exposed group?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Risk difference between exposed and unexposed groups

Attributable risk is the excess incidence among exposed people compared with unexposed people and estimates the burden attributable to exposure.

Option by option

  • A. Average disease duration

    Duration affects prevalence.

  • B. Ratio of exposure odds

    Odds ratio is a ratio measure.

  • C. Risk difference between exposed and unexposed groups (correct)

    Correct: it is an absolute risk difference.

  • D. Proportion of false negatives

    False negatives concern test sensitivity.

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 C, Risk difference between exposed and unexposed groups. Attributable risk is the excess incidence among exposed people compared with unexposed people and estimates the burden attributable to exposure.

Why is "Average disease duration" not the answer?

Duration affects prevalence.

Why is "Ratio of exposure odds" not the answer?

Odds ratio is a ratio measure.

Why is "Proportion of false negatives" not the answer?

False negatives concern test sensitivity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: it is an absolute risk difference.

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.