Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) – University
Exam Detailed Answers
Q3. Write Short Essays on Any Three (15 Marks)
a) Eugenics and Euthenics
Definition: Eugenics refers to the science of improving the genetic quality of the human population
by selective breeding or genetic control. Euthenics refers to the improvement of living conditions
and environment to enhance the well-being of individuals.
Difference:
• Eugenics deals with hereditary improvement of race through control of mating and genetic traits.
• Euthenics improves human efficiency through better nutrition, housing, education, sanitation and
environment.
Examples:
• Eugenics – Genetic counselling, prevention of hereditary diseases.
• Euthenics – Providing clean drinking water, balanced diet, and health education.
Conclusion: Both are complementary approaches – eugenics addresses heredity while euthenics
addresses environment to improve human health.
b) Illusion, Delusion and Hallucination
Illusion: False interpretation of a real external stimulus. Example – seeing a rope as a snake.
Delusion: False fixed belief not based on reality and not correctable by logic. Example – believing
someone is plotting against you.
Hallucination: Perception without any external stimulus. Example – hearing voices when no one is
speaking.
Clinical Importance: These are common in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, delirium, and
affect diagnosis and management.
c) Health Education and Health Propaganda
Health Education: Process of informing, motivating, and helping people to adopt healthy practices
voluntarily. It uses two-way communication and encourages understanding and participation.
Health Propaganda: One-way communication using emotional appeal or persuasion without
ensuring understanding (e.g., slogans, posters).
Difference:
• Health education – Scientific, participatory, sustainable.
• Health propaganda – Emotional, rapid, short-term.
Importance: Health education builds long-term behavioral change essential for public health
programs.
d) Slow Sand Filter and Rapid Sand Filter
Slow Sand Filter: Works at low filtration rate (0.1–0.4 m³/m²/hr). It has a biological layer
(schmutzdecke) that removes bacteria effectively. Needs large area and periodic scraping.
Rapid Sand Filter: High filtration rate (5–15 m³/m²/hr), uses coagulants and requires frequent
backwashing. Removes turbidity and particles rapidly.
Comparison:
• Slow sand – Biological action, high bacterial removal.
• Rapid sand – Mechanical action, high efficiency and speed.
Use: Rapid sand filters are used in urban areas; slow sand filters in rural settings.
Q4. Write Short Notes on Any Three (15 Marks)
a) PM Poshan Shakti Nirman (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
Centrally sponsored scheme providing hot cooked meals to school children in classes I–VIII in
government and aided schools.
Objectives: Improve nutritional status, enhance learning, encourage school attendance, and foster
social equality.
Nutritional Norms: Primary – 450 kcal & 12g protein; Upper primary – 700 kcal & 20g protein.
Impact: Reduces malnutrition, anemia, and improves enrolment.
Monitoring: Jointly monitored by Ministry of Education and Health Department.
b) Principles of Primary Health Care
1. Equitable Distribution: Health services should be accessible to all, especially rural and poor
populations.
2. Community Participation: People’s involvement in planning, implementation and evaluation of
health programs.
3. Intersectoral Coordination: Cooperation between health and other sectors like agriculture,
education, and sanitation.
4. Appropriate Technology: Technology should be affordable, acceptable, and maintainable (e.g.,
ORS, immunization).
5. Focus on Prevention: Emphasis on promotive and preventive aspects rather than curative care
only.
c) Services at Sub-Centre
A Sub-centre is the most peripheral health unit manned by one male and one female health worker.
Services:
• Maternal and Child Health (ANC, PNC, delivery care).
• Family Welfare (contraceptive distribution, counselling).
• Immunization and disease surveillance.
• Health education, environmental sanitation.
• Basic curative and referral services.
Goal: To provide essential primary health care to 5000 population in plains and 3000 in hilly areas.
