Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

In assessing health trends, which factor would most likely impact disability adjustment?

1. High birth rates

2. Access to specialty care

3. Changes in disease prevalence

4. Improvements in nutritional guidelines

The correct answer is: Changes in disease prevalence

Changes in disease prevalence significantly influence disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a measure that accounts for both the years of life lost due to premature mortality and the years lived with disability. When the prevalence of certain diseases rises or falls, it directly affects the overall health burden of a population. For instance, if a previously prevalent disease becomes more common, the number of individuals living with that condition will increase, leading to a higher disability adjustment. Conversely, if a disease becomes less common due to effective interventions or public health strategies, the disability associated with it may decrease, resulting in a lower impact on disability adjustment. Thus, monitoring and responding to changes in disease prevalence are key to improving overall public health outcomes and reducing disability.