morbidity

Morbidity refers to the state of being diseased or unhealthy, or the incidence of disease within a population. It can also describe a complication or undesirable side effect from medical treatment.1

In medicine, morbidity is distinct from mortality, which refers to death. High morbidity rates indicate a significant burden of illness within a community, impacting individuals' quality of life and straining healthcare systems. For example, chronic conditions like ischemic heart disease and stroke contribute to both high morbidity and mortality globally. Understanding morbidity is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at disease prevention and management.2