Health indicators: DALY calculation: 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 · Health indicators: DALY calculation

Sample item

In a community, a disease causes 5 premature deaths, each losing an average of 30 years of expected life. It also affects 10 other people, each with a disability weight of 0.2 for 5 years. What is the total disease burden in DALYs?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. 160

A DALY is the sum of years of life lost to premature mortality (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD). YLL = 5 x 30 = 150. YLD = 10 persons x 0.2 x 5 years = 10. Total burden is 150 + 10 = 160 DALYs.

Option by option

  • A. 10

    10 counts only the disability component and omits premature death.

  • B. 150

    150 counts only the mortality component and omits disability.

  • C. 160 (correct)

    YLL of 150 plus YLD of 10 gives 160 DALYs.

  • D. 310

    310 double counts the mortality component, which is not part of the formula.

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 C, 160. A DALY is the sum of years of life lost to premature mortality (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD).

Why is "10" not the answer?

10 counts only the disability component and omits premature death.

Why is "150" not the answer?

150 counts only the mortality component and omits disability.

Why is "310" not the answer?

310 double counts the mortality component, which is not part of the formula.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Health indicators: DALY calculation in PSM. YLL = 5 x 30 = 150. YLD = 10 persons x 0.2 x 5 years = 10. Total burden is 150 + 10 = 160 DALYs.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Health indicators: DALY calculation?

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.