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Question

Which of the following criteria must be met by a disease before it is to be considered suitable for a screening programme?
1. The natural history of the disease should be adequately understood.
2. No effective treatment should exist for the disease.
3. The disease should not have a recognizable latent or asymptomatic stage.
4. There should be a test that can detect the disease prior to onset of signs and symptoms.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is
1 and 4

Screening Criteria: Natural History Understanding

For a disease screening programme to be suitable, its natural history must be adequately understood. This knowledge helps determine the optimal time for screening and the potential benefits of early detection.

Screening Criteria: Early Detection Test

A crucial requirement is the existence of a reliable test capable of detecting the disease prior to the onset of signs and symptoms. This allows for early intervention when the condition is most manageable.

Criteria NOT Meeting Screening Suitability

The following points are generally contrary to the requirements for effective screening:

  • Statement 2: Lack of Effective Treatment
    Screening programmes are most beneficial when an effective treatment exists for early-stage disease. Detecting a condition without a viable intervention offers limited public health value.
  • Statement 3: Absence of Latent Stage
    Screening specifically targets diseases that possess a recognizable latent or asymptomatic stage. If a disease has no such discernible pre-symptomatic phase, screening is not applicable.

Conclusion on Suitable Criteria

Based on the analysis, the essential criteria that must be met for a disease to be considered suitable for a screening programme are points 1 (adequate understanding of natural history) and 4 (availability of a test to detect the disease prior to symptoms).

Therefore, the correct combination is 1 and 4.

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Important Questions from Preventive Medicine

  1. Consider the following statement : 

    "The people should seek to preserve their traditional eating patterns and life-styles associated with low levels of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)." 

    Which level of prevention is implied in this statement?

  2. Determination of alpha-fetoprotein levels in maternal serum is a useful screening tool for
  3. In primary immune response, how much more antigenic dose is required to induce IgG antibodies as against the induction of IgM antibodies?

  4. Which among the following is/are the examples of primordial prevention ?
    1. Adopting healthy lifestyles from childhood
    2. Immunization of infants
    3. Screening of cervical cancer
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  5. What is the correct sequence of the following levels of prevention?
    1. Specific protection
    2. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment
    3. Disability limitation and rehabilitation
    4. Health promotion
    Select the correct sequence from the code given below:
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