Vital statistics: 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 · Vital statistics

Sample item

How is infant mortality rate conventionally expressed?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Deaths under age one per 1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate is the number of deaths among children younger than one year during a period divided by live births in that period, conventionally expressed per 1,000 live births.

Option by option

  • A. Stillbirths per 1,000 total population

    Stillbirth measures use fetal deaths and different denominators.

  • B. Deaths under age one per 1,000 live births (correct)

    Correct: infant deaths per 1,000 live births define IMR.

  • C. Deaths under age five per 100,000 population

    Under-five mortality is a separate child survival indicator.

  • D. Maternal deaths per 100 live births

    Maternal mortality uses a different numerator and denominator.

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 B, Deaths under age one per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality rate is the number of deaths among children younger than one year during a period divided by live births in that period, conventionally expressed per 1,000 live births.

Why is "Stillbirths per 1,000 total population" not the answer?

Stillbirth measures use fetal deaths and different denominators.

Why is "Deaths under age five per 100,000 population" not the answer?

Under-five mortality is a separate child survival indicator.

Why is "Maternal deaths per 100 live births" not the answer?

Maternal mortality uses a different numerator and denominator.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vital statistics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: infant deaths per 1,000 live births define IMR.

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 Vital statistics?

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.