The BEST single indicator reflecting both infant mortality and the standard of living of a population is:

• A Crude Birth Rate
• B Under-5 Mortality Rate
• C Perinatal Mortality Rate
• D Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) ✓

Explanation

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) — deaths in the first year of life per 1000 live births — is considered the single best indicator of overall health status and socioeconomic development of a population. It integrates environmental conditions, nutritional status, healthcare access, and maternal health. Under-5 mortality rate is also useful but IMR has a longer history as a sentinel development indicator.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.