What does "morbidity" refer to in a medical context?

Morbidity specifically refers to the presence of disease or the incidence and prevalence of illness within a population. This concept is essential in public health and epidemiology as it helps in understanding how many people are affected by a particular disease, the severity of their conditions, and the impact on quality of life. By studying morbidity rates, health officials can identify health trends, allocate resources effectively, and design interventions to improve health outcomes. Thus, this choice accurately captures the definition and significance of morbidity within a medical context.