Question 26

The number of deaths during a year compared with the total number of persons exposed in the class is known as the mortality rate.

The mortality rate is defined as the number of deaths occurring in a specific population over a certain period, usually expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 individuals. It directly relates to the proportion of deaths to the total population exposed.

A) morbidity rate.

The morbidity rate refers to the incidence of disease within a population and does not pertain to death counts. It measures the prevalence of illnesses and health conditions, making it irrelevant to the question about mortality.

B) mortality rate.

The mortality rate accurately describes the relationship between the number of deaths in a population and the total number of individuals exposed over a specific timeframe. This option is directly aligned with the definition given in the question.

C) retention ratio.

The retention ratio typically measures the percentage of customers or participants retained over a certain period, often used in business contexts. It does not apply to mortality or death rates, making it incorrect in this context.

D) permissible loss ratio.

The permissible loss ratio is a term used in insurance to indicate the maximum acceptable losses a company can sustain. It is unrelated to the concept of mortality or death rates, and hence, it is not a suitable answer.

Conclusion

The mortality rate is the only option that directly aligns with the definition provided in the question, as it specifically quantifies the number of deaths in relation to the exposed population. All other options either pertain to different concepts or fail to capture the essence of mortality as described.