Prevalence is defined as the number of existing cases of a disease or condition in a population at a specific point in time. Which term is described?

• A. Morbidity
• B. Prevalence
• C. Incidence
• D. Mortality

Answer: (B)

This question hinges on the idea of a snapshot of disease burden at a single moment. Prevalence is the number of people who already have the disease or condition in a population at a specific point in time, often expressed as a percentage or per 1,000 people. It contrasts with incidence, which counts new cases that develop over a defined period. Mortality is the rate of deaths, and morbidity refers to the overall burden of illness or rate of disease in a population, not just the count at one moment. So the statement described—existing cases at a particular time—fits prevalence, such as finding that 120 of 2,000 people have a condition at the time of survey (point prevalence).