Incidence and Prevalence Flashcards
1
Q
Define incidence
A
New cases of that disease arising in a population over a defined period of time
2
Q
Why can incidence rate be inaccurate?
A
In the population:
- Be born or die
- Be recruited into/leave, a study at different times
- Actually get the disease being studied- no longer be part of the population at risk
3
Q
Define prevalence
A
How many people have a disease amongst a population at a specific time. Also known as point prevalence
4
Q
Describe the prevalence/incidence for short term diseases?
A
-Short= high incidence rate, low point prevalence, when a person is cured they are no longer a prevalent case Long= Low incidence but high prevalence,
5
Q
What is prevalence best used for?
A
- Chronic diseases
- Necessary for the planning and delivery of health services
