The iceberg phenomenon of disease is BEST exemplified by which of the following conditions?

• A Rabies
• B Chickenpox
• C Essential hypertension ✓
• D Fracture of the femur

Explanation

In essential hypertension, the vast majority of affected individuals are asymptomatic and undiagnosed, forming the submerged portion of the iceberg, while diagnosed and treated cases form only the visible tip. Rabies, chickenpox and a femoral fracture are almost always clinically apparent, so their submerged portions are minimal. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes and anaemia are classic exam examples of diseases with a large hidden burden detectable only by screening.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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