DO Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2

Question 1

Herd immunity is achieved when what proportion of a population is immune, preventing sustained transmission of an infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

A threshold proportion sufficient to interrupt transmission chains (varies by disease)

Answer

Herd immunity thresholds vary by pathogen transmissibility (R0); measles requires ~95% immunity while polio requires ~80–85%.

Question 2

Which dietary pattern is most strongly associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk in evidence-based medicine?

Accepted Answer

Mediterranean diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish)

Answer

The Mediterranean diet has the strongest evidence base for cardiovascular risk reduction, including the landmark PREDIMED trial showing reduced major cardiac events.

Question 3

Which occupational exposure is most strongly linked to mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos

Answer

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a malignant tumor of the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium, with a latency period of 20–50 years.

Question 4

The number needed to treat (NNT) is calculated as:

Accepted Answer

1 / absolute risk reduction (ARR)

Answer

NNT = 1/ARR; it tells clinicians how many patients must receive treatment for one additional patient to benefit compared to the control condition.

Question 5

USPSTF recommends screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT (LDCT) in adults with what criteria?

Accepted Answer

Ages 50–80, 20 pack-year smoking history, current smoker or quit within 15 years

Answer

The 2021 USPSTF recommendation expanded lung cancer screening to ages 50–80 with ≥20 pack-years who currently smoke or quit within 15 years.

DO - Doctor of Osteopathy Practice Test

DO - Doctor of Osteopathy Practice Test

DO Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2