NEET-PG 2013 — Community Medicine

Q: Which Millennium Development Goal specifically addresses HIV/AIDS?

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. ***Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases*** - This Millennium Development Goal (MDG) directly focused on reducing the spread of **HIV/AIDS**, malaria, and other major diseases as a key global health priority. - It included targets such as halting and beginning to reverse the incidence of HIV/AIDS, and achieving universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all who need it. *Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger* - This goal addressed fundamental socioeconomic issues like **poverty** and **food insecurity**, which are broad determinants of health but not specific to HIV/AIDS. - While poverty can exacerbate the impact of HIV/AIDS, this MDG did not directly target the disease itself. *Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women* - This MDG focused on improving the status of women and girls, recognizing that **gender inequality** can be a risk factor for HIV transmission. - However, it did not directly address the combatting of HIV/AIDS as its primary objective. *Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development* - This goal focused on improving international cooperation for development, including access to affordable **essential medicines**, which could include antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS. - While it supported efforts to combat HIV/AIDS through partnerships, it was not solely dedicated to this health challenge. [Practice more Community Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What term describes the patterns of inter-relationships between individuals in a society?

Social structure. ***Social structure*** - This term encompasses the **persistent, organized patterns** of relationships and institutions that shape social interaction within a society. - It refers to the underlying framework that dictates how individuals and groups are connected and positioned relative to each other. *Social relationships* - This refers to the **individual connections and interactions** between people, such as friendships, family ties, or professional collaborations. - While social relationships are components of social structure, they do not describe the overarching patterns of inter-relationships at a societal level. *Social networks* - This term describes the **specific web of social ties** that link individuals to one another, often visualized as nodes and connections. - While useful for mapping connections, it is a more specific concept than the broader idea of social structure, which includes institutional arrangements and roles. *Social systems* - This refers to a **set of interconnected social components** that function together to maintain order and stability within a society. - While social structure is a key aspect of a social system, the term "social system" itself is broader, encompassing the dynamic processes and functions alongside the established patterns. [Practice more Community Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What term describes the accepted behaviors and practices within a society?

Customs. ***Customs*** - **Customs** refer to the established, accepted behaviors and practices within a society that are widely recognized and followed by its members. - They are more enduring and deeply entrenched than informal folkways, representing institutionalized or significant social practices that guide social conduct. - Customs encompass the general norms, traditions, and behaviors that define "the way things are done" in a particular society. *Folkways* - **Folkways** are informal everyday customs, manners, and practices learned through observation and imitation (e.g., table manners, greetings). - They are a **subset** of customs, specifically referring to minor, informal norms with mild social disapproval for violations. - While folkways are accepted behaviors, they are too narrow to describe all "accepted behaviors and practices" in society. *Traditions* - **Traditions** are customs or beliefs passed down through generations with historical or symbolic significance. - They emphasize **intergenerational transmission** and continuity over time, making them more specific than the general concept of "accepted behaviors." *Cultural Practices* - **Cultural practices** is an umbrella term encompassing all ways a group behaves, thinks, and interacts, including beliefs, values, rituals, and institutions. - While accurate, it is **too broad** a term—customs is the more precise sociological term for accepted behaviors and practices. [Practice more Community Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What is the Chandler's Index for Hookworm that indicates a significant health problem?

> 50. ***> 50*** - A Chandler's Index of **> 50** indicates a significant public health problem due to **hookworm infection**. - **Chandler's Index** is calculated as the **average egg count per person in a community** (total hookworm eggs counted ÷ number of persons examined), used to assess the population-level burden of hookworm infection. - A value **> 50** suggests that the community has a significant hookworm problem requiring public health intervention. *> 300* - This value is significantly higher than the threshold for a significant public health problem and would indicate an **extremely severe burden of infection**. - While this represents a very high Chandler's Index, it's not the standard cut-off for defining a "significant" health problem (which is the lower threshold of >50). *> 200* - A Chandler's Index of **> 200** would denote a very high intensity of hookworm infection in the community. - However, this is not the standard threshold used to define when hookworm becomes a "significant" public health issue - the threshold is lower at >50. *> 100* - A Chandler's Index of **> 100** represents a substantial level of hookworm infection within a population. - However, the widely recognized cutoff for a "significant health problem" is **> 50**, indicating public health concern even at this moderate level of community infection burden. [Practice more Community Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

94 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

Which Millennium Development Goal specifically addresses HIV/AIDS?

What term describes the patterns of inter-relationships between individuals in a society?

Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended when?

What term describes the accepted behaviors and practices within a society?

What is the Chandler's Index for Hookworm that indicates a significant health problem?

Most common mode of transmission of nosocomial infection is -

Which of the following diseases is classified under category-B of bioterrorism?

Which of the following viral diseases is least commonly reported in India?

Which of the following individuals is known for their significant contributions to public health legislation in the 19th century?

Q10

Vaccines are available against which types of meningococcus?

NEET-PG 2013 - Community Medicine NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: Which Millennium Development Goal specifically addresses HIV/AIDS?

A. Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
B. Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
C. Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases (Correct Answer)
D. Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

Explanation: ***Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases*** - This Millennium Development Goal (MDG) directly focused on reducing the spread of **HIV/AIDS**, malaria, and other major diseases as a key global health priority. - It included targets such as halting and beginning to reverse the incidence of HIV/AIDS, and achieving universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all who need it. *Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger* - This goal addressed fundamental socioeconomic issues like **poverty** and **food insecurity**, which are broad determinants of health but not specific to HIV/AIDS. - While poverty can exacerbate the impact of HIV/AIDS, this MDG did not directly target the disease itself. *Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women* - This MDG focused on improving the status of women and girls, recognizing that **gender inequality** can be a risk factor for HIV transmission. - However, it did not directly address the combatting of HIV/AIDS as its primary objective. *Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development* - This goal focused on improving international cooperation for development, including access to affordable **essential medicines**, which could include antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS. - While it supported efforts to combat HIV/AIDS through partnerships, it was not solely dedicated to this health challenge.

Question 2: What term describes the patterns of inter-relationships between individuals in a society?

A. Social structure (Correct Answer)
B. Social relationships
C. Social networks
D. Social systems

Explanation: ***Social structure*** - This term encompasses the **persistent, organized patterns** of relationships and institutions that shape social interaction within a society. - It refers to the underlying framework that dictates how individuals and groups are connected and positioned relative to each other. *Social relationships* - This refers to the **individual connections and interactions** between people, such as friendships, family ties, or professional collaborations. - While social relationships are components of social structure, they do not describe the overarching patterns of inter-relationships at a societal level. *Social networks* - This term describes the **specific web of social ties** that link individuals to one another, often visualized as nodes and connections. - While useful for mapping connections, it is a more specific concept than the broader idea of social structure, which includes institutional arrangements and roles. *Social systems* - This refers to a **set of interconnected social components** that function together to maintain order and stability within a society. - While social structure is a key aspect of a social system, the term "social system" itself is broader, encompassing the dynamic processes and functions alongside the established patterns.

Question 3: Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended when?

A. The condition has a low case fatality rate.
B. Diagnostic tools are not available.
C. There is no effective treatment available.
D. Early diagnosis can change the disease course due to effective treatment. (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Early diagnosis can change the disease course due to effective treatment.*** - Screening is primarily recommended when **early detection** allows for interventions that effectively alter the natural history of the disease, improving prognosis or preventing progression. - For colorectal cancer, early diagnosis through screening allows for timely removal of **precancerous polyps** or early-stage cancers, significantly increasing survival rates. *The condition has a low case fatality rate.* - Conditions with low case fatality rates generally do not warrant extensive screening programs, as the **benefit-to-harm ratio** is often unfavorable. - Colorectal cancer, if undiagnosed and untreated, has a significant **case fatality rate**, making screening beneficial. *Diagnostic tools are not available.* - Screening is only conducted when **reliable, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic tools** are available to detect the disease or its precursors in asymptomatic individuals. - If diagnostic tools are unavailable, screening would be impossible or ineffective, as there would be no way to identify those with the condition. *There is no effective treatment available.* - Screening is not typically recommended for diseases for which there is **no effective treatment**, as early detection would not improve patient outcomes. - The primary purpose of screening is to identify individuals who can benefit from **early intervention** and treatment to prevent serious morbidity or mortality.

Question 4: What term describes the accepted behaviors and practices within a society?

A. Customs (Correct Answer)
B. Traditions
C. Cultural Practices
D. Folkways

Explanation: ***Customs*** - **Customs** refer to the established, accepted behaviors and practices within a society that are widely recognized and followed by its members. - They are more enduring and deeply entrenched than informal folkways, representing institutionalized or significant social practices that guide social conduct. - Customs encompass the general norms, traditions, and behaviors that define "the way things are done" in a particular society. *Folkways* - **Folkways** are informal everyday customs, manners, and practices learned through observation and imitation (e.g., table manners, greetings). - They are a **subset** of customs, specifically referring to minor, informal norms with mild social disapproval for violations. - While folkways are accepted behaviors, they are too narrow to describe all "accepted behaviors and practices" in society. *Traditions* - **Traditions** are customs or beliefs passed down through generations with historical or symbolic significance. - They emphasize **intergenerational transmission** and continuity over time, making them more specific than the general concept of "accepted behaviors." *Cultural Practices* - **Cultural practices** is an umbrella term encompassing all ways a group behaves, thinks, and interacts, including beliefs, values, rituals, and institutions. - While accurate, it is **too broad** a term—customs is the more precise sociological term for accepted behaviors and practices.

Question 5: What is the Chandler's Index for Hookworm that indicates a significant health problem?

A. > 200
B. > 100
C. > 300
D. > 50 (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***> 50*** - A Chandler's Index of **> 50** indicates a significant public health problem due to **hookworm infection**. - **Chandler's Index** is calculated as the **average egg count per person in a community** (total hookworm eggs counted ÷ number of persons examined), used to assess the population-level burden of hookworm infection. - A value **> 50** suggests that the community has a significant hookworm problem requiring public health intervention. *> 300* - This value is significantly higher than the threshold for a significant public health problem and would indicate an **extremely severe burden of infection**. - While this represents a very high Chandler's Index, it's not the standard cut-off for defining a "significant" health problem (which is the lower threshold of >50). *> 200* - A Chandler's Index of **> 200** would denote a very high intensity of hookworm infection in the community. - However, this is not the standard threshold used to define when hookworm becomes a "significant" public health issue - the threshold is lower at >50. *> 100* - A Chandler's Index of **> 100** represents a substantial level of hookworm infection within a population. - However, the widely recognized cutoff for a "significant health problem" is **> 50**, indicating public health concern even at this moderate level of community infection burden.

Question 6: Most common mode of transmission of nosocomial infection is -

A. Hand contact (Correct Answer)
B. Droplet infection
C. Blood and blood products
D. Contaminated water

Explanation: ***Hand contact*** - **Direct contact** with healthcare workers' contaminated hands is the primary way pathogens are transferred between patients in a healthcare setting. - Failure to perform adequate **hand hygiene** between patient contacts is the single most important factor contributing to nosocomial infection transmission. *Droplet infection* - While droplet transmission can cause nosocomial infections, especially for respiratory viruses, it is not the most common mode of transmission for the overall burden of healthcare-associated infections. - **Droplets** usually travel short distances and deposit on mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, or eyes of a susceptible host. *Blood and blood products* - Transmission through **blood and blood products** is a significant concern for specific infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B/C), but the incidence is relatively low due to stringent screening and safety protocols. - This mode accounts for a small fraction of overall nosocomial infections compared to contact transmission. *Contaminated water* - **Contaminated water** can lead to outbreaks (e.g., *Legionella*, *Pseudomonas*), especially in immunocompromised patients, but it is not the most frequent mode of transmission on a day-to-day basis across all types of nosocomial infections. - Healthcare facilities implement measures to ensure water safety, limiting this as the primary route.

Question 7: Which of the following diseases is classified under category-B of bioterrorism?

A. Anthrax
B. Plague
C. Botulism
D. Cholera (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Cholera*** - **Cholera** is classified under **Category B** agents due to its moderate ease of dissemination, moderate morbidity rates, and low mortality rates. - While it can cause severe diarrheal disease, its treatment is relatively straightforward with **rehydration therapy**, and it poses a lower risk of mass casualties compared to Category A agents. *Anthrax* - **Anthrax** is a **Category A** bioterrorism agent, characterized by its high mortality rate, ease of dissemination, and potential for major public health impact. - It poses a significant threat due to its ability to form **spores** that are highly resistant and can cause severe lung infection. *Plague* - **Plague** is designated as a **Category A** agent because of its high potential for mass dissemination, high mortality if untreated, and potential to cause widespread panic. - It can be spread via **aerosols** and can lead to severe systemic illness. *Botulism* - **Botulism** is classified as a **Category A** agent due to the extreme potency of the **botulinum toxin**, even in minute quantities, which can cause severe flaccid paralysis and death. - It has a high potential for causing severe public health impact and requires complex medical interventions.

Question 8: Which of the following viral diseases is least commonly reported in India?

A. Japanese B encephalitis
B. Lassa fever (Correct Answer)
C. KFD
D. Dengue

Explanation: ***Lassa fever*** - **Lassa fever** is endemic to West Africa, with the **multimammate rat** being its primary reservoir. - Cases of Lassa fever are **extremely rare** in India, primarily limited to travel-related instances due to the geographical distribution of the disease and its vector. *Japanese B encephalitis* - **Japanese B encephalitis (JBE)** is a significant public health concern in India, particularly in endemic regions. - It is a mosquito-borne viral disease, and **vaccination programs** are ongoing to control its spread. *KFD* - **Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)** is an endemic viral hemorrhagic fever primarily found in the **Karnataka state of India**. - It is transmitted by **ticks**, making it a regionally significant but recognized viral disease within India. *Dengue* - **Dengue** is one of the most commonly reported and widespread viral diseases in India. - It is a **mosquito-borne** illness with frequent outbreaks occurring across various parts of the country.

Question 9: Which of the following individuals is known for their significant contributions to public health legislation in the 19th century?

A. Edwin Chadwick (Correct Answer)
B. Joseph Lister
C. William Farr
D. John Snow

Explanation: ***Edwin Chadwick*** - **Edwin Chadwick** was a central figure in the 19th-century public health movement in Britain, known for advocating for comprehensive sanitary reform. - His most famous work, the **"Report on the Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population of Great Britain" (1842)**, laid the groundwork for public health legislation, influencing the **Public Health Act of 1848**. *John Snow* - **John Snow** was a physician known for his groundbreaking work in epidemiology, particularly his investigation into the **1854 Broad Street cholera outbreak**. - While his work was crucial for understanding disease transmission, his primary contributions were not in public health legislation but in establishing the **germ theory of disease** and modern epidemiology. *Joseph Lister* - **Joseph Lister** was a surgeon and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery, introducing the use of **carbolic acid** to sterilize instruments and wounds. - His contributions drastically reduced post-operative infections but were focused on surgical practice rather than large-scale public health legislation. *William Farr* - **William Farr** was a prominent Victorian epidemiologist and statistician, considered one of the founders of medical statistics. - He developed systems for **classifying diseases** and collecting vital statistics, which greatly informed public health policy but his direct role in drafting legislation was less prominent than Chadwick's.

Question 10: Vaccines are available against which types of meningococcus?

A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type A, B, and C
D. Type A, B, C, W, and Y (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Type A, B, C, W, and Y*** - Vaccines are currently available against **all five major meningococcal serogroups**: A, B, C, W-135, and Y. - **Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY)** provide protection against serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y, and are widely used globally. - **Meningococcal B vaccines (MenB)** such as Bexsero and Trumenba specifically target serogroup B, which is a leading cause of meningococcal disease in developed countries. - Combined, these vaccines provide comprehensive coverage against the most epidemiologically important meningococcal serogroups worldwide. *Type A* - While vaccines against **meningococcus type A** do exist (as part of conjugate vaccines), this option is incomplete as it excludes the other important serogroups (B, C, W, Y) for which vaccines are also available. *Type B* - **Type B vaccines** are available and important, particularly in developed countries where serogroup B causes significant disease burden. - However, this option alone is insufficient because vaccines also effectively target other serogroups (A, C, W, Y). *Type A, B, and C* - This option is incomplete because it omits **serogroups W and Y**, for which conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) are readily available and widely used. - The question asks which types vaccines are *available* against, not which are most common, making this an incorrect answer.