The number of deaths divided by the estimated mid-year population per 1,000 for specific age groups is called:

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

Community Health Nursing

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Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

Explanation

The age-specific death rate is the correct term for a mortality rate calculated for a particular age group.
The formula is: (Number of deaths in a specific age group in a year ÷ Mid-year population of that same age group) × 1,000.
This measure is essential for identifying which age groups are at the highest risk of mortality, allowing for targeted public health interventions.
For example, a high infant mortality rate (an age-specific rate for those under 1 year) points to issues in perinatal and neonatal care.

Option A: The crude death rate measures mortality for the entire population, not for specific age groups. It is calculated by dividing the total number of deaths by the total mid-year population.
Option B: Mortality rate is a broad, general term. The question describes a very specific calculation, for which 'age-specific death rate' is the precise technical term.
Option C: An age-standardised death rate is a statistically adjusted rate. It's used to compare mortality between two or more populations with different age structures, not to calculate the rate for a single age group within one population.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Epidemiological Mortality Rates as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Community health nurses use age-specific death rates to identify high-risk populations and plan targeted health programs. For instance, a high mortality rate in the 1-4 year age group might trigger investigations into nutrition, immunization coverage, and sanitation.
Understanding these rates is vital for evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions over time.
What if the question asked for a measure to compare mortality between Florida (with a large elderly population) and Alaska (with a younger population)? In that case, the 'age-standardised death rate' would be the correct answer because it adjusts for the differences in population age structures.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the definition provided in the question stem: 'deaths', 'divided by mid-year population', 'per 1,000', and the key phrase 'for specific age groups'.
Next, evaluate each option against this definition.
Recognize that 'crude' implies an overall, unadjusted rate for the whole population, which contradicts 'specific age groups'.
'Mortality rate' is too general. The question asks for a specific term.
'Age-standardised' implies a comparison between different populations, which is not mentioned.
Conclude that 'age-specific death rate' is the only term that perfectly matches all components of the definition, especially the focus on 'specific age groups'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 10-12, 50-52