MEANING
How common a condition is in a population; in epidemiology, the proportion affected at a given time or during a period.
Use it for
population burden; frequency of existing conditions; comparing survey findingsState how widespread a condition is without confusing it with new cases.
Words that belong together
- prevalence of a condition
- point prevalence
- high prevalence
On the page
The survey estimated the prevalence of untreated dental problems among adolescents.
Point prevalence measures the condition at a specified date.
Higher prevalence can result from longer survival even when new-case incidence is unchanged.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- prevalence
Usage notes
Primary category: academic. Usually uncountable. Includes existing and new cases; not the same as new-case incidence. Specify point or period prevalence and the relevant population. Usually uncountable in the recorded sense; no ordinary plural. Derived family (not inflections): prevalent.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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