National health programmes: coverage needed in filariasis MDA: 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 · National health programmes: coverage needed in filariasis MDA

Sample item

A district conducts annual mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis using diethylcarbamazine and albendazole. To interrupt transmission, at least what effective coverage of the total population is required over at least five rounds?

A50 percentB90 percentC40 percentD65 percent

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. 65 percent

For interruption of transmission, annual mass drug administration needs an effective coverage of at least 65 percent of the total population, sustained for at least five rounds. Coverage is counted against the total eligible population and not just the number reached on paper.

Option by option

A. 50 percent
Fifty percent is below the level needed to interrupt transmission.
B. 90 percent
Ninety percent is higher than the minimum required, although higher coverage is better.
C. 40 percent
Forty percent is below the level needed to interrupt transmission.
D. 65 percent (correct)
Correct. A minimum effective coverage of 65 percent of the total population is required.

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.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, 65 percent. For interruption of transmission, annual mass drug administration needs an effective coverage of at least 65 percent of the total population, sustained for at least five rounds.

Why is "50 percent" not the answer?

Fifty percent is below the level needed to interrupt transmission.

Why is "90 percent" not the answer?

Ninety percent is higher than the minimum required, although higher coverage is better.

Why is "40 percent" not the answer?

Forty percent is below the level needed to interrupt transmission.

What concept does this question test?

It tests National health programmes: coverage needed in filariasis MDA in PSM. Coverage is counted against the total eligible population and not just the number reached on paper.

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 National health programmes: coverage needed in filariasis MDA?

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.