Health, economic and social indicators
Core meaning: Indicators summarise population health and development.
Step-by-step learning
Define indicator
Numerator, denominator and time.
Choose measure
Mortality, morbidity, fertility, service or socioeconomic.
Check quality
Validity, reliability and comparability.
Interpret trend
Time, place and population.
Use for action
Planning and evaluation.
Key points to remember
- MMR uses live births as denominator.
- Incidence measures new cases; prevalence measures all existing cases.
- Rates need a defined population and time.
Possible MCQs
- What is the denominator of MMR?
- Differentiate incidence and prevalence.
- Explain major health and socioeconomic indicators.
Epidemiological approach and methods
Core meaning: Epidemiology studies distribution and determinants of health events and applies findings to control problems.
Step-by-step learning
Define case and population
Person, place and time.
Describe distribution
Rates, epidemic curve and maps.
Generate hypothesis
Likely exposure and pathway.
Test hypothesis
Cohort, case-control or other analytic design.
Control and communicate
Act promptly and report.
Key points to remember
- Outbreak control may begin before the investigation is complete.
- Case definition should be clear and consistent.
Possible MCQs
- What does an epidemic curve show?
- Which study starts with cases and controls?
- Describe steps of outbreak investigation.
- Compare cohort and case-control studies.