The incidence of xerophthalmia in children aged 1 - 5 is reported as 5:1000. What does this mean?

The correct interpretation of the reported incidence of xerophthalmia as 5:1000 in children aged 1 - 5 indicates that the morbidity rate of xerophthalmia is 5 in every 1000 children in that age group. This statistic reflects how common the condition is among the specified population, showing that for every 1000 children, 5 are affected.

This understanding is crucial in public health and nutrition as it helps identify the level of health issues affecting children and can guide interventions and resource allocation. It points to a specific health condition instead of suggesting a mortality rate, which would indicate death rather than the presence of a disease or condition.

By contrast, the other options either incorrectly refer to mortality rates or misstate the actual number of cases in relation to the population size. This distinction between morbidity and mortality rates emphasizes the nature of the condition's incidence and the overall health status of children in that demographic.