There are all components included in Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) EXCEPT?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Per capita income is an economic indicator, not a component of the Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI).
PQLI was specifically designed to measure a country's well-being and development outcomes based on social indicators, independent of economic growth.
As stated in public health literature, PQLI intentionally does not consider per capita GNP, demonstrating that 'money is not everything' in terms of quality of life.
Instead, an income measure (Gross National Income per capita) is a key component of a different index, the Human Development Index (HDI).

Option A: This is a core component of PQLI. It measures longevity after the most vulnerable first year of life.
Option B: Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is a fundamental component of PQLI, serving as a sensitive indicator of a population's health status.
Option C: Basic literacy rate is the third component of PQLI, representing access to education and knowledge.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Components of the Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Community health nurses use indices like PQLI for 'community diagnosis' to assess the overall health and social development needs of a population, helping to identify high-risk groups.
These indicators are crucial for planning and prioritizing public health interventions, such as maternal and child health (MCH) programs or adult literacy campaigns, and for evaluating their effectiveness over time.
What if? If a community shows a high PQLI but low per capita income (as seen in states like Kerala), it suggests that social policies and health services are effective despite limited economic resources. A nurse's focus would be on advocating for and sustaining these successful social programs.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)'.
Next, carefully note the negative keyword 'EXCEPT'. This signals that you must find the option that is NOT a component of PQLI.
Recall the three specific components of PQLI: 1) Life expectancy at age one, 2) Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and 3) Basic literacy rate.
Systematically evaluate each option against the known components of PQLI.
Options A, B, and C directly match the three components.
Option D, 'Per capita Income', is an economic indicator and is not part of the PQLI formula, making it the correct answer to this 'EXCEPT' question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 2-4, 12-14

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.