National programmes: AFP surveillance indicators: 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 · National programmes: AFP surveillance indicators

Sample item

In a state, 120 non-polio cases of acute flaccid paralysis in children under 15 years were reported in a year, and the population under 15 years is 6 million. Adequate stool specimens were collected from 70% of the cases. How is the surveillance performance interpreted?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Non-polio AFP rate is 2 per 100,000 and meets the target, but stool adequacy is below the standard

The non-polio AFP rate is 120 / 6,000,000 x 100,000 = 2 per 100,000 children under 15, which meets the target of at least 2. Stool adequacy requires two specimens collected 24 to 48 hours apart within 14 days of onset in at least 80% of cases. At 70% the second standard is not met.

Option by option

  • A. Non-polio AFP rate is 2 per 100,000 and both indicators meet the standard

    Stool adequacy of 70% is below the 80% standard, so not both indicators are met.

  • B. Non-polio AFP rate is 0.2 per 100,000 and both indicators fall short

    The rate is 2 per 100,000, not 0.2, and it meets the target.

  • C. Non-polio AFP rate is 20 per 100,000, which signals a polio outbreak

    The rate is 2 per 100,000, not 20, and a high AFP rate is itself a sign of good surveillance, not an outbreak.

  • D. Non-polio AFP rate is 2 per 100,000 and meets the target, but stool adequacy is below the standard (correct)

    Correct. The rate meets the target but 70% stool adequacy is below 80%.

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, Non-polio AFP rate is 2 per 100,000 and meets the target, but stool adequacy is below the standard. The non-polio AFP rate is 120 / 6,000,000 x 100,000 = 2 per 100,000 children under 15, which meets the target of at least 2.

Why is "Non-polio AFP rate is 2 per 100,000 and both indicators meet the stan…" not the answer?

Stool adequacy of 70% is below the 80% standard, so not both indicators are met.

Why is "Non-polio AFP rate is 0.2 per 100,000 and both indicators fall short" not the answer?

The rate is 2 per 100,000, not 0.2, and it meets the target.

Why is "Non-polio AFP rate is 20 per 100,000, which signals a polio outbreak" not the answer?

The rate is 2 per 100,000, not 20, and a high AFP rate is itself a sign of good surveillance, not an outbreak.

What concept does this question test?

It tests National programmes: AFP surveillance indicators in PSM. Stool adequacy requires two specimens collected 24 to 48 hours apart within 14 days of onset in at least 80% of cases. At 70% the second standard is not met.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 National programmes: AFP surveillance indicators?

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.