The 'rule of halves' in hypertension states that approximately half of hypertensive individuals are undiagnosed, and of those diagnosed, half are untreated. Of those treated, what proportion remains uncontrolled?
- A One-fourth
- B One-third
- C Half ✓
- D Three-fourths
Correct answer: C. Half
Explanation
The rule of halves describes the cascade in community hypertension care: only about half of hypertensives are aware of their diagnosis, only half of the aware are on treatment, and only half of the treated achieve adequate blood pressure control. Thus roughly one-eighth of the total hypertensive population is actually controlled, highlighting the gap between detection and effective management that programmes like NP-NCD aim to close.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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