Which of the following statements corresponds exactly to the WHO definition of health adopted in 1948?
- A A state of dynamic equilibrium between the person and his environment, allowing full use of capacities
- B A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity ✓
- C The ability to perform one's social roles without impairment despite the presence of disease
- D An ecological balance between human beings and their pathogens resulting in freedom from infection
Correct answer: B. A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
Explanation
The 1948 WHO constitution defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Option A resembles Dubos' operational concept of health, and option C echoes functional or role-performance models. The exam expects verbatim recall of the WHO phrasing including its three dimensions.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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