Definition of
prevalence
In order to determine the meaning of the term prevalence, it is necessary, first of all, to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can say that it derives from Latin, specifically from the sum of three clearly defined components:
-The prefix pre-which can be translated as before.
-The verb will be worthwhich is synonymous with “remaining fully.”
-The element entitywhich indicates “agent”.
-the suffix -iawhich is used to establish a “quality”.
- concept of prevalence
- The term in medicine
- Period prevalence and point prevalence
- Differences with incidence
- Related Topics Tree
concept of prevalence
prevalence is a term that can be linked to two verbs: prevail and prevail. These concepts refer to taking advantage of something to obtain a advantageto the possibility of maintaining itself or the condition of that or that which is imposed.
For example: “The prevalence of Spanish teams in the continental tournament was evident”, “The prevalence of none of those involved in the case cannot be noticed”, “The study confirms the prevalence of Chinese companies in the sector”.
It can serve you: Continental shelf
The term in medicine
Within the scope of the medicinewe talk about the prevalence to name the index of individuals suffering from a certain disease within a total group of people under study. It is, therefore, a frequently used notion in the epidemiology (the discipline specialized in the origin and development of epidemics).
According to the number of people who suffer from an eating disorder health within a given group, the prevalence in question can be estimated. This prevalence is a proportion: reveals how many individuals out of a total are sick. If in an office where twenty people work, there are ten who suffer from the flu, it can be said that the flu prevalence in said office is, at this moment, of the fifty%.
See also: Incidence
Period prevalence and point prevalence
It is possible to differentiate between period prevalence (revealing the proportion of patients at an uncertain time) and the point prevalence (referred to a specific moment). In our example above, the proportion refers to a point prevalence.
Prevalence allows epidemiologists to analyze and explain various issues of health. From this kind of data, public health policies are developed that seek to keep citizens healthy or that those who have fallen ill can be cured or receive appropriate treatment.
Continue on: Period
Differences with incidence
We have to establish that, sometimes, within the medical field, what is the prevalence and what is the incidence. However, it must be made clear that they are two totally different things:
-The prevalence comes to make clear the proportion of the population that, at a given moment, suffers from a disease and that is going to be studied. As a general rule, it is a term that is used to carry out the analysis of chronic pathologies and even to be able to establish measures and projects in favor of healthcare needs or medical services.
-The incidence, on the other hand, what comes is to show the number of new cases of the aforementioned pathology that we are studying and that arise in a given period. Precisely for this circumstance, it is a term that has been used to analyze infectious diseases.
So these are two different concepts. However, that does not mean that they do not have an interconnection, that they need each other and that they are very useful within the field of medicine.
See also: Analysis