Question

Which of the following is the sensitive indicator to assess the availability, utilization, and effectiveness of healthcare in a community?

• A. Infant mortality rate
• B. Maternal mortality rate
• C. Immunization coverage
• D. Disability-adjusted life years

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The most sensitive indicator to assess the availability, utilization, and effectiveness of healthcare in a community is the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). This measure refers to the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year. High infant mortality rates often suggest issues related to healthcare access, quality of maternal and infant health services, and general living conditions. Here's why IMR is a sensitive indicator:

• Comprehensive Health Measure: It reflects the overall healthcare quality, encompassing prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care.
• Accessibility to Medical Services: A lower IMR indicates good accessibility and quality of healthcare services, while a higher IMR may suggest deficiencies.
• Indicator of Social Conditions: IMR correlates with broader social conditions, such as nutrition, sanitation, and maternal education.
• Impact of Preventive Measures: It is sensitive to improvements in preventive healthcare measures like immunization programs and maternal care.

Therefore, the Infant Mortality Rate serves as a crucial indicator for evaluating community health systems and identifying areas requiring attention and improvement.