What does incidence measure?

Incidence measures the number of new cases of a disorder that occur within a specific timeframe in a given population. This is important for understanding the rate at which a disorder is spreading or being diagnosed, as it focuses on new occurrences rather than the overall burden of the condition in a population. By measuring incidence, researchers and public health officials can gain insights into trends over time, the effectiveness of prevention programs, and the need for resources and interventions.

In contrast, the other options examine different aspects of disease measurement. One refers to the total number of individuals with a disorder, while another looks at existing cases in the population. Another option focuses on the severity of symptoms rather than the occurrence of new cases.