Non-Communicable Diseases Practice Questions

Q: Descending order of cancer prevalence in males in India?

Lung > oral > pharynx > esophagus. ***Lung > oral > pharynx > esophagus*** - This order represents the **most common cancer prevalence pattern** in Indian males according to **ICMR-NCDIR** population-based cancer registries. - **Lung cancer** ranks highest nationally, strongly associated with **smoking** (bidi and cigarette use). - **Oral cavity cancer** is extremely prevalent in India due to **tobacco chewing, betel quid, and gutka consumption**. - **Pharyngeal cancer** and **esophageal cancer** follow, also linked to tobacco and alcohol use. - Regional variations exist, but this order reflects **national-level data** for Indian males. *Oral > lung > pharynx > esophagus* - While **oral cancer prevalence is very high** in India (competing with lung cancer in some regions), at the **national aggregate level**, lung cancer typically ranks first. - This order may be accurate for **specific regions** with high tobacco chewing prevalence but does not represent the overall national pattern. *Pharynx > lung > oral > esophagus* - **Pharyngeal cancer** is less prevalent than both **lung and oral cancers** in Indian males. - This sequence incorrectly places pharyngeal cancer at the top, which contradicts **Indian cancer registry data**. *Esophagus > oral > stomach > lung* - This order is incorrect as **esophageal and stomach cancers** are significantly less prevalent than **lung and oral cancers** in Indian males. - **Lung cancer consistently ranks at or near the top** in Indian male cancer statistics, making this order epidemiologically inaccurate.

Q: Which is the commonest cause of ocular morbidity in the community -

Refractive error. ***Refractive error*** - **Uncorrected refractive errors**, such as **myopia**, **hyperopia**, and **astigmatism**, are the most common cause of avoidable visual impairment globally. - While not leading to complete blindness, they significantly reduce quality of life and productivity if not corrected with **spectacles** or **contact lenses**. *Vitamin A deficiency* - This deficiency is a major cause of **preventable childhood blindness** in developing countries. - It primarily leads to **xerophthalmia**, including **night blindness**, **Bitot's spots**, and ultimately **corneal scarring**. *Ocular injury* - **Trauma** to the eye can cause severe and permanent vision loss, especially in certain occupational settings or age groups. - However, the overall prevalence of significant ocular morbidity from injury in the general community is **lower** than that from uncorrected refractive errors. *Cataract* - **Cataracts** are the leading cause of **blindness worldwide**, particularly in older individuals. - While a major cause of visual impairment, it is most often treated with **surgery**, making uncorrected refractive errors a more prevalent cause of *morbidity* in the broader community that often goes undetected or unaddressed.

Q: RULE OF HALVES RELATED TO-

HYPERTENSION. ***HYPERTENSION*** - The **rule of halves** in hypertension refers to the observation that often **only half of people** with hypertension are diagnosed, only half of those diagnosed are treated, and only half of those treated achieve adequate control. - This rule highlights challenges in the **diagnosis, treatment, and management** of hypertension at a population level. *OBESITY* - While obesity is a significant public health issue, the **rule of halves** is not a commonly used principle to describe its diagnosis and management. - Obesity is typically assessed using **Body Mass Index (BMI)** and associated health risks. *BLINDNESS* - The **rule of halves** is not a recognized concept in the context of blindness or visual impairment. - Blindness is often addressed through efforts in **prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation**. *BURNS* - The **rule of halves** is unrelated to the assessment or management of burns. - The severity of burns is commonly assessed using the **Rule of Nines** (Wallace Rule of Nines) [1] to estimate the percentage of total body surface area affected.

Q: National Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated on:

7th November. ***7th November*** - **National Cancer Awareness Day** in India is observed annually on **November 7th** to raise awareness about cancer symptoms, prevention, and early detection. - This date marks the birth anniversary of **Madame Marie Curie**, whose pioneering work in radioactivity significantly contributed to cancer treatment. *31st November* - **November has only 30 days**, making "31st November" an invalid date. - This date is not recognized for any significant health awareness campaign related to cancer. *31st May* - **May 31st** is recognized globally as **World No Tobacco Day**, an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the health risks of tobacco. - While tobacco use is a major cause of cancer, this day is not specifically designated as National Cancer Awareness Day. *7th May* - **May 7th** does not hold specific recognition as **National Cancer Awareness Day** in India. - While there are various cancer awareness initiatives throughout the year, this particular date is not associated with this specific observance.

Q: A 40 year old male has vision of 6/60 in right eye and 3/60 in left eye under NPCB, he will be classified as:-

Socially blind. ***Socially blind*** - According to the **National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)** criteria, visual acuity of **6/60 in the better eye** falls under the category of **blindness** (specifically, visual acuity <6/60 to 3/60). - The term **"socially blind"** is sometimes used colloquially to describe individuals who meet the medical criteria for blindness but may retain some functional vision. - In this case, the right eye (6/60) is the better eye, and 6/60 vision qualifies as blindness under NPCB guidelines, making "socially blind" the most appropriate classification among the given options. *Low vision* - **Low vision** under NPCB is defined as visual acuity **<6/18 to 6/60** in the better eye with best possible correction. - Since this patient has exactly 6/60 in the better eye, they fall at the threshold between low vision and blindness. - By strict NPCB criteria, **6/60 is classified as blindness**, not low vision (which requires vision better than 6/60). *Economically blind* - This is not a recognized formal classification under NPCB guidelines. - NPCB criteria are based on visual acuity and visual field measurements, not economic considerations. *Normal* - Normal vision is typically 6/6 to 6/9. - Vision of 6/60 and 3/60 is significantly impaired and does not qualify as normal.

Q: Which of the following measures cannot reduce incidence of head injuries?

Setting up of neurological centers. ***Setting up of neurological centers*** - Neurological centers are facilities dedicated to the **treatment and management of neurological conditions**, including head injuries. - While essential for improving outcomes after an injury, they do not **prevent the initial occurrence** of head injuries. *Education about safety* - **Public awareness campaigns** and educational programs can inform individuals about risks and safe practices. - This knowledge empowers people to adopt behaviors that **reduce the likelihood of accidents** leading to head injuries. *Strict safety rules* - Implementation of and adherence to safety regulations, such as in workplaces or sports, can **minimize hazardous situations**. - These rules are designed to **prevent accidents** and mitigate the risk of injury, including head trauma. *Wearing Helmets* - Helmets provide a crucial layer of **physical protection to the head** during various activities like cycling, motorcycling, or sports. - They are specifically designed to **absorb impact** and reduce the severity or prevent head injuries.

Q: What is the WHO definition of blindness?

visual acuity less than 3/60 or its equivalent. ***Visual acuity less than 3/60 or its equivalent*** - The **WHO definition of blindness** refers to a **presenting visual acuity** of less than 3/60 (or 20/400) in the better eye, or a **visual field** of less than 10 degrees from the point of fixation. - This threshold signifies severe visual impairment that meets the criteria for legal or public health definitions of blindness. - The 3/60 criterion is the internationally recognized standard for defining blindness in epidemiological and public health contexts. *Visual acuity less than 6/60 or its equivalent* - This level of vision typically falls under the category of **severe visual impairment** or **low vision** according to WHO classification, not blindness. - While it represents significant visual loss, it is considered less severe than the 3/60 threshold used for defining blindness. *Visual acuity less than 6/18 or its equivalent* - A visual acuity of less than 6/18 is generally considered **moderate visual impairment** or **low vision**, not blindness. - This level of vision implies difficulty with standard visual tasks but is typically not severe enough to be classified as blindness. *Visual acuity less than 1/60 or its equivalent* - This visual acuity is indeed very poor and would certainly be classified as blindness, but it is **more severe** than the WHO definition threshold. - The 3/60 threshold is the specific cutoff point; while 1/60 indicates blindness, it is not the definition itself.

Q: STEPS is done for:

Surveillance of risk factors of non-communicable disease. ***Surveillance of risk factors of non-communicable disease*** - STEPS is a **WHO-designed sequential survey** that tracks **risk factors** of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a stepwise approach. - It collects data on behavioral risk factors (e.g., tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity), physical measurements (e.g., blood pressure, weight, height), and biochemical measurements (e.g., blood glucose, cholesterol). *Surveillance of mortality from non-communicable disease* - While related to NCDs, STEPS primarily focuses on **risk factors** that lead to these diseases, not directly on mortality data. - Mortality surveillance is typically conducted through **vital registration systems** and health information systems. *Surveillance of evaluation of treatment of non-communicable disease* - STEPS surveys are not designed to evaluate the **effectiveness of specific treatments** for NCDs. - Evaluating treatment efficacy usually involves **clinical trials** or specific cohort studies. *Surveillance of incidence of non-communicable disease* - Although the presence of risk factors influences incidence, STEPS primarily measures the **prevalence of risk factors**, not the incidence (new cases) of NCDs themselves. - Incidence studies require longitudinal follow-up of populations.

Question 1

Descending order of cancer prevalence in males in India?

Accepted Answer

Lung > oral > pharynx > esophagus

Answer

Oral > lung > pharynx > esophagus

Answer

Pharynx > lung > oral > esophagus

Answer

Esophagus > oral > stomach > lung

Question 2

Which of the following best describes economic blindness?

Accepted Answer

A level of blindness that prevents an individual from earning a livelihood.

Answer

Blindness that is expensive to treat.

Answer

Blindness affecting only economically disadvantaged populations.

Answer

Blindness due to economic factors like malnutrition.

Question 3

Which is the commonest cause of ocular morbidity in the community -

Accepted Answer

Refractive error

Answer

Vitamin A deficiency

Answer

Ocular injury

Answer

Cataract

Question 4

RULE OF HALVES RELATED TO-

Accepted Answer

HYPERTENSION

Answer

OBESITY

Answer

BLINDNESS

Answer

BURNS

Question 5

National Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated on:

Accepted Answer

7th November

Answer

31st November

Answer

31st May

Answer

7th May

Question 6

A 40 year old male has vision of 6/60 in right eye and 3/60 in left eye under NPCB, he will be classified as:-

Accepted Answer

Socially blind

Answer

Economically blind

Answer

Low vision

Answer

Normal

Question 7

Which of the following measures cannot reduce incidence of head injuries?

Accepted Answer

Setting up of neurological centers

Answer

Education about safety

Answer

Strict safety rules

Answer

Wearing Helmets

Question 8

What is the WHO definition of blindness?

Accepted Answer

visual acuity less than 3/60 or its equivalent

Answer

visual acuity less than 6/60 or its equivalent

Answer

visual acuity less than 6/18 or its equivalent

Answer

visual acuity less than 1/60 or its equivalent

Question 9

STEPS is done for:

Accepted Answer

Surveillance of risk factors of non-communicable disease

Answer

Surveillance of mortality from non-communicable disease

Answer

Surveillance of evaluation of treatment of non-communicable disease

Answer

Surveillance of incidence of non-communicable disease

Question 10

According to WHO guidelines, to decrease both coronary heart disease and diabetes, triple treatment involves:

Accepted Answer

Healthy diet, regular physical exercise, avoiding tobacco

Answer

Lipid lowering drug, avoiding tobacco, poly pill

Answer

Healthy diet, regular physical exercise, decreased salt intake

Answer

Decreased salt intake, poly pill, vegetarian diet

Non-Communicable Diseases — MCQs

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