The iceberg phenomenon of disease, in which undetected cases far outnumber the visible clinical tip, is classically demonstrated by which of the following conditions?
- A Hypertension ✓
- B Rabies
- C Measles
- D Tetanus
Correct answer: A. Hypertension
Explanation
Hypertension is the classic example of the iceberg phenomenon: a large reservoir of asymptomatic, undiagnosed persons lies beneath the small visible tip of diagnosed, treated cases presenting with complications. Rabies, tetanus and measles are virtually always clinically manifest, so there is no substantial hidden subclinical component and they do not demonstrate the iceberg concept. Recognising the hidden mass of disease justifies community screening for silent conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
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.