Epidemiology: 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 · Epidemiology

Sample item

What is the healthy-worker effect?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Workers often appear healthier than general population

Employed populations are often healthier than the general population because severely ill people are less likely to enter or remain in work.

Option by option

  • A. Workers often appear healthier than general population (correct)

    Correct: employment selection can underestimate occupational risk.

  • B. All unemployed people are ill

    Unemployment has many causes.

  • C. Workplace studies never need controls

    Comparison group choice remains important.

  • D. Workers develop no occupational disease

    Workers can still develop disease.

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.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Workers often appear healthier than general population. Employed populations are often healthier than the general population because severely ill people are less likely to enter or remain in work.

Why is "All unemployed people are ill" not the answer?

Unemployment has many causes.

Why is "Workplace studies never need controls" not the answer?

Comparison group choice remains important.

Why is "Workers develop no occupational disease" not the answer?

Workers can still develop disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: employment selection can underestimate occupational risk.

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 Epidemiology?

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.