morbidity

Morbidity refers to the presence of disease, illness, or other health-related conditions in a population. It captures the overall burden of health problems on individuals and communities, including symptoms, functional limitations, and disability. Morbidity is often described alongside mortality, which measures deaths, to convey the total impact of health conditions on society.

In epidemiology, morbidity is quantified using measures such as incidence and prevalence. Incidence is the rate at which new cases of a disease occur in a population over a specified period. Prevalence is the proportion of people who have the condition at a given time. The morbidity burden is also described by the level of functional impairment or reduced quality of life, often summarized by health-adjusted metrics or years lived with disability.

Data sources for morbidity include population surveys, health interviews, patient registries, and administrative records. Estimates depend on case definitions, diagnostic criteria, and access to care, and they can vary across settings and over time. Accurate morbidity assessment requires careful consideration of these factors and consistent measurement.

Chronic diseases frequently contribute to substantial long-term morbidity due to persistent symptoms and disability, while acute illnesses can cause shorter-term morbidity. Understanding and reducing morbidity is a central objective of public health and clinical care, guiding prevention strategies, treatment decisions, and health system planning.