That which is imposed or that achieves an advantage has prevalence.
In order to determine the meaning of the term prevalence , it is necessary, first of all, to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can say that it derives from Latin, specifically from the sum of three clearly delimited components:
-The prefix pre- , which can be translated as before.
-The verb valere , which is synonymous with “remaining in fullness.”
-The element entity , which indicates “agent”.
-The suffix -ia , which is used to establish a “quality”.
Prevalence concept
Prevalence is a term that can be linked to two verbs: prevail and prevail . These concepts refer to taking advantage of something to obtain an advantage , to the possibility of maintaining oneself or the condition of that or that which is imposed.
For example: “The prevalence of the Spanish teams in the continental tournament was evident,” “The prevalence of none of those involved in the case cannot be noted,” “The study confirms the prevalence of Chinese companies in the sector.”
In the field of health, prevalence is the rate of people suffering from a certain disease within a group of individuals.
The term in medicine
Within the field of medicine , we speak of prevalence to name the rate of individuals who suffer from a certain disease within the total of a group of people under study. It is, therefore, a notion frequently used in epidemiology (the discipline specialized in the origin and development of epidemics).
According to the number of people who suffer from a health disorder within a certain group, the prevalence in question can be estimated. This prevalence is a proportion : it reveals how many individuals out of a total are sick. If in an office where twenty people work, there are ten who suffer from the flu, it can be said that the prevalence of the flu in said office is, at this moment, 50% .
Period prevalence and point prevalence
It is possible to differentiate between period prevalence (which reveals the proportion of patients at an uncertain time) and point prevalence (referring to a specific time). In our previous example , the proportion refers to a point prevalence.
Prevalence allows epidemiologists to analyze and explain various health problems . From this type of data, public health policies are developed that seek to ensure that citizens remain healthy or that those who have fallen ill can be cured or receive appropriate treatment.
Differences with incidence
We have to establish that, sometimes, what is prevalence and what is incidence is often confused within the medical field. However, it must be made clear that they are two totally different things:
-Prevalence shows the proportion of the population that, at a given time, suffers from a disease and that is going to be studied. As a general rule, it is a term that is used to carry out the analysis of chronic pathologies and even to establish measures and projects in support of healthcare needs or medical services.
-Incidence, on the other hand, shows the number of new cases of the aforementioned pathology that we are studying and that arise in a given period. Precisely for this circumstance, it is a term that is used to analyze infectious diseases.
These are, therefore, two different concepts. However, that does not prevent them from having an interconnection, from needing each other and from being very useful within the field of medicine.