In a distribution of 200 blood glucose values, the mean is 110 mg/dL, median is 95 mg/dL, and mode is 85 mg/dL. This distribution is best described as:
- A Positively skewed (right-skewed) distribution ✓
- B Symmetrical (normal) distribution
- C Negatively skewed (left-skewed) distribution
- D Bimodal distribution
Correct answer: A. Positively skewed (right-skewed) distribution
Explanation
When mean > median > mode, the distribution is positively skewed (right-skewed), with a longer tail extending toward higher values. In a normal distribution, mean = median = mode. In negative (left) skew, mode > median > mean. Blood glucose distributions in populations including diabetics commonly show positive skew due to outliers with very high values. Recognizing skewness determines which measure of central tendency is most appropriate to report.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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