- Why is it important to consider the prevalence of a condition when identifying priority health issues? (3 marks)
--- 6 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
- Describe the costs to the community when an individual is diagnosed with a chronic disease. (4 marks)
--- 10 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
a. Prevalence
- Prevalence data shows the scale of health issues, enabling efficient resource allocation to conditions affecting larger population segments.
- Tracking prevalence trends identifies emerging health concerns before they become widespread, allowing for more effective early intervention.
- Demographic breakdown of prevalence data helps target specific at-risk groups, enabling more equitable and culturally appropriate health interventions.
b. Costs to the community
- Direct healthcare costs include medications, treatments, and hospitalisations, straining both individual finances and the healthcare system.
- Workforce impacts include reduced productivity, absenteeism, and early retirement, resulting in lost tax revenue and increased welfare expenditure.
- Community infrastructure modifications for those with chronic conditions require significant public investment in accessibility features and support programs.
- Social costs include the volunteer care burden, where family members reduce work hours for unpaid caregiving, impacting their financial security and increasing reliance on support services.
Show Worked Solution
a. Prevalence
- Prevalence data shows the scale of health issues, enabling efficient resource allocation to conditions affecting larger population segments.
- Tracking prevalence trends identifies emerging health concerns before they become widespread, allowing for more effective early intervention.
- Demographic breakdown of prevalence data helps target specific at-risk groups, enabling more equitable and culturally appropriate health interventions.
b. Costs to the community
- Direct healthcare costs include medications, treatments, and hospitalisations, straining both individual finances and the healthcare system.
- Workforce impacts include reduced productivity, absenteeism, and early retirement, resulting in lost tax revenue and increased welfare expenditure.
- Community infrastructure modifications for those with chronic conditions require significant public investment in accessibility features and support programs.
- Social costs include the volunteer care burden, where family members reduce work hours for unpaid caregiving, impacting their financial security and increasing reliance on support services.