NCD surveillance: WHO STEPS approach: 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 · NCD surveillance: WHO STEPS approach

Sample item

A survey team visits households to measure height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure of adults as part of the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance. Which step does this represent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Step 2, physical measurements

The STEPS approach has three steps: Step 1 collects demographic and behavioural information by questionnaire, Step 2 takes physical measurements such as blood pressure, height, weight and waist, and Step 3 takes blood and urine samples for glucose and lipids. Each step builds on the one before. Optional modules can be added to extend the survey.

Option by option

  • A. Step 1, behavioural questionnaire

    Step 1 is a questionnaire on tobacco, alcohol, diet and activity.

  • B. Step 3, biochemical measurements

    Step 3 involves biochemical tests such as fasting glucose and cholesterol.

  • C. An optional expanded module only

    Expanded modules add extra topics, but these measures belong to the core Step 2.

  • D. Step 2, physical measurements (correct)

    Correct. Blood pressure and anthropometry are the Step 2 physical measurements.

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 D, Step 2, physical measurements. The STEPS approach has three steps: Step 1 collects demographic and behavioural information by questionnaire, Step 2 takes physical measurements such as blood pressure, height, weight and waist, and Step 3 takes blood and urine samples for glucose and lipids.

Why is "Step 1, behavioural questionnaire" not the answer?

Step 1 is a questionnaire on tobacco, alcohol, diet and activity.

Why is "Step 3, biochemical measurements" not the answer?

Step 3 involves biochemical tests such as fasting glucose and cholesterol.

Why is "An optional expanded module only" not the answer?

Expanded modules add extra topics, but these measures belong to the core Step 2.

What concept does this question test?

It tests NCD surveillance: WHO STEPS approach in PSM. Each step builds on the one before. Optional modules can be added to extend the survey.

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 NCD surveillance: WHO STEPS approach?

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.