Prevalence rate

It is the number of current cases (old and new) of a specified disease during a specified time period divided by the estimated midinterval population at risk.

            The prevalence rate of a disease is calculated as follows :

                        Number of current cases (old and new) of a specified disease during a        specified time period

=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------x100

                                    Estimated midinterval population at risk

Uses of prevalence rate:

1. To measure the amount of illness.

2. To determine the health care need of the community.

3. Useful for administrative and planning purposes.

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