Percentage of Deaths among the Population affected by a Disease

Definition:
Morbidity refers to the percentage of deaths among the population affected by a disease. It is a crucial indicator used in epidemiology to measure the impact of a particular disease on a population.

Explanation:
- Morbidity is different from mortality, as mortality refers to the number of deaths in a population due to a specific cause.
- Morbidity rates are essential in public health as they help in assessing the burden of a disease on a population and in planning interventions and resources accordingly.
- High morbidity rates indicate a higher proportion of people affected by a disease who are at risk of dying from it.

Calculation:
- Morbidity is calculated by dividing the number of deaths due to a disease by the total number of people affected by that disease, then multiplying the result by 100 to get the percentage.
- For example, if 50 people are affected by a disease and 10 of them die, the morbidity rate would be (10/50) x 100 = 20%.

Significance:
- Morbidity rates provide valuable information for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to understand the severity and impact of a disease on a population.
- Monitoring morbidity rates helps in identifying trends, outbreaks, and areas where interventions are needed to prevent further deaths.

In conclusion, morbidity is an important epidemiological measure that helps in assessing the percentage of deaths among the population affected by a disease, providing valuable insights for public health interventions and strategies.