PSM is a highly significant subject from FMGE perspective.
PSM (SPM or CPM or Community Medicine) appears very extensive and monotonous to most of the FMGE aspirants.
Keeping the aspirants’ concern in mind, we have compiled this article which will bring forth the Tips and the Most Important Topics of PSM from FMGE perspective.
We hope that this will surely help you to develop some interest in this subject.
Most Important Topics and Tips for PSM Preparation
Here is a list of the Most Important Topics and Tips for Preparation of PSM:
I. Biostatistics
For Biostatistics, you need not go into greater details since most of the questions are restricted to Chi square, Paired T Test and Student T Test.
There is no need to focus on Multi-variant analysis.
Further, study the Sampling types and attain a brief knowledge of Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Standard error and Normal Distribution.
Further, gather a brief knowledge about Screening Tests. Important Topics under Screening Tests:
Briefly prepare Sensitivity and Specificity Tests
Focus on PPV, MPV and their Relation to each other as per the Base Theorem
Focus on what happens when the Tests are arranged in Series and when the Tests are arranged in Parallel
Thoroughly prepare Null Hypothesis: α-error, β-error and Power of a Test
Gather a basic knowledge of Guttman Scale, Likert Scale and Distinction of Characters in Categorical Test and Quantitative Test
Gather a brief knowledge about which test to apply, whether the test can be termed as Qualitative or Quantitative and the degree in which it can be placed
Study Bias, Confounding and Effect Modifier briefly and clear your concepts thoroughly
Anthony N. Glaser is the best and recommended book for Biostatistics
II. Epidemiology: Concept of Health & Disease
Most Important Topics
Prepare the Difference between HDI, HPI and PQLI in parallel to understand the difference between them
Concept of Web of Causation, Iceberg Concept & Brief awareness of the ‘At Risk’ approach
Types of Studies:
Distinction between Case Control, Randomized Control Trial and Cohort
Factors favoring Case Control, Randomized Control Trial and Cohort
Shortcomings of Case Control, Randomized Control Trial and Cohort
This unit can be prepared from both Peadiatrics and PSM. You must ensure not to omit it since it is highly significant.
The best approach for Immunization is not to rely on root learning.
Questions from Immunization are usually based on the Practical Application and therefore you must prepare the Approach thoroughly.
Questions can be asked in the form of Instances such as what all vaccines must be given if a child has been completely unimmunized till 5 years of age.
Thoroughly prepare the Comparison between NIS Schedule for IAP recommendations and National Immunization Schedule.
IV. Infections
Park’s book is recommended for Infections since it is much better than Microbiology book
Park’s book is highly recommended since it thoroughly covers Infections, their Vaccines and National Programs
Prepare Infections from PSM since it will cover a lot of load from PSM + Microbiology
Important Topics
Influenza – Thoroughly prepare Influenza since 3-4 questions are regularly asked from this topic
Focus on Polio and Japanese Encephalitis
Thoroughly study Parasitic Infections such as Filarial worm
V. Nutrition
Important Topics
Iodine Deficiency – Focus on IRDA Values
Focus on Vitamin Deficiency and the National Programs associated with it
Distinction Between Growth Monitoring and Nutritional Surveillance
VI. Bio-Medical Waste
Attain a Brief awareness of Bio-Medical Waste since easy questions are asked from this unit
Most Significant Topics
Incineration
Screw Fit technology
Inertization
The above-listed topics must be prepared thoroughly since questions are repeatedly asked from these topics in FMGE.
VII. Environment
This is a relatively easy topic, thereby it should not be omitted.
Important Topics
Stay Updated with any modifications in the Old Programs and the New Programs being launched
Prepare RNTCP National Program since questions were asked in previous year papers on this program. RNTCP refers to a Web-based Portal for Monitoring of Classes
Keep Track of the New Updates, New Web-Portals and New Monitoring Techniques being launched
NTCP Program is highly important, do prepare it thoroughly
IX. Recent Infections
Thoroughly prepare Recent Infections such as Ebola, Swine-flu, H1N1, etc since questions are regularly asked from these topics
