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Morbidity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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morbidity

[mɔːrˈbɪdəti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

health statistics

Morbidity refers to the condition of being diseased or unhealthy, often measured by the incidence or prevalence of a disease in a certain population. It is an important concept in public health that provides insight into the health status of a population, indicating the burden of health conditions beyond mortality. Morbidity can encompass both physical and mental health issues, and it helps to understand the quality of life and overall well-being. Additionally, morbidity rates can be used to assess the effectiveness of healthcare systems and interventions.

Synonyms

disease, disorder, illness, sickness.

Examples of usage

  • The morbidity rate of diabetes is increasing in urban areas.
  • Public health officials track morbidity to identify areas needing intervention.
  • Mental health morbidity is often overlooked in many studies.
  • Statistics show the morbidity associated with tobacco use.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Morbidity is often used to assess the health outcomes of a population, helping to identify public health needs.
  • Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease can lead to high morbidity rates among affected individuals.
  • Understanding morbidity helps healthcare professionals allocate resources effectively, improving community health.

Psychology

  • High morbidity can impact mental health, as living with illness often leads to stress or anxiety.
  • The perception of morbidity in society can influence how individuals react to health risks, altering their behaviors.

Statistics

  • Morbidity rates can be expressed as a percentage of a specific population, often tracked by healthcare organizations.
  • Researchers analyze morbidity to forecast healthcare needs and develop effective treatment strategies.

Public Health

  • Morbidity statistics are crucial during epidemics, helping authorities understand the spread and severity of diseases.
  • Community health programs often target reducing morbidity by focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies.

Origin of 'morbidity'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'morbidity' comes from the Latin word 'morbidus', meaning 'sick' or 'unhealthy'.
  • It originally appeared in medical texts around the 16th century to describe the state of being diseased.

The term 'morbidity' originates from the Latin word 'morbidus', meaning 'sick, diseased'. The roots trace back to 'mors', which translates to 'death'. The use of 'morbidity' in medical and public health contexts dates back to the 19th century, when health officials and statisticians began to focus more keenly on the prevalence of diseases and health conditions amongst populations. Over time, morbidity has come to encompass a variety of health issues beyond merely the presence of disease, including the quality of life and the functional status of individuals affected by health conditions. The distinction between morbidity and mortality has become critical in the fields of epidemiology and health research, as it allows for a better understanding of the overall health landscape of a community or country.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,359, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.