Which single indicator is regarded as the most sensitive index of the overall socioeconomic development and health status of a community?
- A Infant Mortality Rate ✓
- B Life expectancy at birth
- C Gross Domestic Product per capita
- D Crude Death Rate
Correct answer: A. Infant Mortality Rate
Explanation
The Infant Mortality Rate is classically cited as the single most sensitive index of socioeconomic development because infant survival reflects nutrition, sanitation, maternal literacy, immunization coverage, and access to care simultaneously. Life expectancy is broader and less immediately responsive. The Crude Death Rate is insensitive because an ageing wealthy country can show a high CDR despite excellent health services, which is exactly why it cannot serve this role.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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