Tag: statistics

Cancer Med. 2026 Feb;15(2):e71602. doi: 10.1002/cam4.71602.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the incidence of anxiety, depression, and suicidality amongst TC survivors and the impact of chemotherapy on these outcomes.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of men diagnosed with TC in the United States Veterans Affairs Health System from 1990 to 2016. De novo anxiety or depression was a composite endpoint comprised of diagnosis codes for anxiety, depression, or medications used to treat these diagnoses. Incident suicidality was defined as a diagnosis code for suicidal ideation. 2022 TC patients were compared in a 1:3 ratio to 6375 controls. Cox proportional hazards models were employed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 42.6 years. 5-year cumulative incidence of anxiety or depression was 53.4% in TC patients and 35% for controls (p < 0.001). TC patients were more likely to develop anxiety or depression (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.56-1.78, p < 0.001) and suicidality (HR 22.99, 95% CI 17.52-30.17, p < 0.001). In the TC cohort, factors associated with a higher risk of anxiety or depression were divorce (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-1.32, p = 0.044), unemployment (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.47-1.9, p < 0.001), and receipt of chemotherapy (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06-1.35, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Psychological morbidity due to depression, anxiety, and suicidality is high among TC survivors. In our analysis chemotherapy increases the rates of psychosocial morbidity. Clinicians should be proactive in screening and intervening for these diagnoses in TC survivors to provide early intervention and improve health comes.

PMID:41668134 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.71602

BMC Med Educ. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-08741-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurately predicting academic performance among medical postgraduate students is crucial for understanding educational outcomes and providing effective early academic guidance. Traditional statistical approaches often struggle to balance predictive performance with interpretability, particularly when handling complex relationships among academic and psychosocial factors.

METHODS: A semi-structured survey was administered to medical postgraduate students at a Chinese medical university, yielding a final sample of 1,091 participants. GPA was dichotomized into two categories: outstanding academic performance (GPA ≥ 80) and non-outstanding academic performance (GPA < 80). Feature selection was performed using the Boruta algorithm. Logistic regression and XGBoost models were developed and evaluated on a held-out test set. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, and complementary validation metrics. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis was applied to interpret the contributions of key predictors.

RESULTS: Both models demonstrated acceptable predictive performance. Undergraduate academic achievement emerged as the most influential predictor of GPA classification, followed by selected psychosocial characteristics and foundational academic skills. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) interpretation provided transparent insights into the relative importance and directionality of these predictors.

CONCLUSION: This study presents an interpretable machine learning framework for predicting academic performance in medical postgraduate education. By combining predictive modeling with explainable techniques, the proposed approach supports reliable performance assessment while maintaining transparency, offering a methodological foundation for future research and cautious application in educational analytics.

PMID:41668132 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-08741-7

BMC Nutr. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s40795-026-01268-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting women, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dominant food patterns and the incidence of endometriosis in women aged 15-45 years.

METHODS: This case-control study involved 180 women, with 60 participants in the case group (with endometriosis) and 120 in the control group. Participants, aged 15-45, were recruited from the Kosar Educational and Therapeutic Center. Endometriosis diagnosis was confirmed via ultrasound or laparoscopy by a gynecologist. Dietary intake was assessed using a 146-item food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify dominant dietary patterns, and statistical tests (Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U, T-tests) alongside logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and endometriosis, adjusting for confounding factors (e.g., BMI, menstrual cycle characteristics, physical activity, education level).

RESULTS: Three dominant dietary patterns were identified. Pattern one was high in red meat, solid oils, high-fat snacks, and processed foods. Pattern two featured vegetables, grains, and coffee, while pattern three included sugar, cereals, and jam. Significant associations were found between food pattern one (OR = 25.54, 95% CI: 111.72-5.84, P < 0.001) and food pattern three (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.14-3.04, P = 0.01) with increased risk of endometriosis. Higher energy, lipid, and carbohydrate intake were significantly associated with endometriosis (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Food patterns high in processed meats, oils, and sugars may increase the risk of endometriosis in women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran (Ethics Code IR.UMSU.REC.1400.396).

PMID:41668123 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-026-01268-6

Parasit Vectors. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s13071-026-07271-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hard tick infestation occurs naturally in humans, domestic animals, and livestock species. Upon feeding, ticks transmit a wide variety of pathogens that may result in serious diseases with severe public health and economic impacts. While tick-borne diseases significantly impact human and animal health and agricultural production worldwide, as ectoparasites, ticks can also cause serious tissue injury, tick paralysis, or exsanguination from mass infestation. Experimental tick feeding is necessary to study tick-borne diseases and effectively test novel vaccines and therapeutics. Such studies raise concerns about on-host tick containment. Classically, tick containment cells for feeding on animals are rigid, lidded containers that are adhered to the host’s skin with adhesive or tape. They are bulky and easily damaged.

METHODS: Here, we describe the use of mesh packets, termed ‘teabags,’ containing 20 male and 5 female ticks each of both Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis applied with surgical tape beneath harnesses on five dogs to allow tick feeding. Canine hematological and blood chemistry parameters were recorded before, during, and after tick feeding.

RESULTS: Successful feeding for 7 days was observed for both tick species (21-24/25 A. americanum and 3-14/25 D. variabilis per dog). Statistically significant shifts were detected in canine host hematological and blood chemistry parameters during tick feeding, indicating that infestation with even small numbers of ticks affects the systemic hematological and blood chemistry parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: This new method is safe, humane, and effective and will improve the experimental design, containment, and safety of tick-feeding research across many host, parasite, and pathogen species.

PMID:41668111 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-026-07271-x

BMC Med Educ. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-08746-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, numerous studies have explored Problem-based Learning (PBL) or Case-based Learning (CBL) alone, but few have investigated their combination. Fundamental nursing is a core course for nursing undergraduates, and anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening clinical emergency) is a key teaching content. Traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) lacks interaction and fails to enhance critical thinking, highlighting the need for teaching methods.

METHODS: Nursing undergraduates from a medical college were randomly divided into two groups (n=50 each): the traditional group (LBL) and the PBL-CBL group (combined method). The intervention focused on anaphylactic shock in fundamental nursing (September 2022-June 2024). Data were collected via post-class tests (theoretical, practical, case analysis) and anonymous questionnaires (California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, satisfaction, time consumption). Statistical analysis used SPSS 18.0.

RESULTS: The PBL-CBL group had significantly higher total test scores (87.33±4.21 vs. 73.32±3.66, P<0.001) and better performance in all test sections. Questionnaire results showed higher critical thinking scores (truth-seeking, analytical skills, etc.), course satisfaction, and teacher-student interaction in the PBL-CBL group, though it consumed more learning time (P<0.05).

DISCUSSION: The combined PBL-CBL method outperforms traditional LBL in deepening knowledge, enhancing clinical analysis ability, and improving critical thinking. It is a promising approach for fundamental nursing teaching, though it requires more student preparation time.

PMID:41668093 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-08746-2

BMC Public Health. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-26554-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. Early symptom recognition and awareness of risk factors are crucial for prompt treatment and prevention. University students in Jordan and Syria represent a key demographic for health education; however, their knowledge of stroke is not well-documented. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of stroke among Jordanian and Syrian undergraduate students and to identify the factors associated with adequate stroke awareness in this group.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 529 undergraduate students from major public universities in Jordan and Syria. Data was collected using a validated 20-item Arabic Stroke Knowledge Questionnaire. Adequate knowledge was defined as scoring ≥ 50% correct answers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS: Overall, 66.7% of students demonstrated adequate stroke knowledge. Significant independent predictors of higher knowledge were: Syrian nationality (OR = 3.1, p < 0.001), living with family (OR = 1.9, p = 0.031), female gender (OR = 1.4, p = 0.013), and personally knowing someone affected by stroke (OR = 1.4, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION: Although two-thirds of students have basic stroke knowledge, important gaps remain in recognizing acute symptoms (e.g., sudden numbness or confusion), in understanding modifiable risk factors, and in precise medical/scientific knowledge about stroke, which may delay emergency care and hinder prevention. Targeted, evidence‑based educational campaigns especially for students without personal stroke exposure are needed to turn knowledge into lifesaving action and reduce the future burden of stroke.

PMID:41668078 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-26554-7

BMC Pediatr. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06596-x. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41668075 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-026-06596-x

BMC Pediatr. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06561-8. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41668069 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-026-06561-8

BMC Public Health. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-26464-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premarital screening (PMS) programs are a crucial measure to prevent hereditary and sexually transmitted diseases, particularly in communities with high consanguinity levels and genetic disorder prevalence. Premarital training is not well-researched in Bangladesh, where thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are endemic. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) regarding PMS among undergraduate students in southeastern Bangladesh.

METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 844 undergraduate students from four universities in Chattogram, Bangladesh. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to recruit participants from science, business, and humanities disciplines. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, which assessed sociodemographic characteristics and KAP towards PMS. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA SE 18. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Out of 844 students, only 22.5% students had a good knowledge, while attitudes (89.2%) and perceptions (95.7%) toward PMS were highly positive. In multivariate analysis, science students were significantly more likely to have good knowledge than humanities students (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.14-2.45; p = 0.009). Conversely, females (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43-0.87; p = 0.006) and those with consanguineous parents (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.99; p = 0.043) were less likely to demonstrate good knowledge. No significant associations were observed between age group, academic year, family history of hereditary disease, and attitudes after adjustment for factors.

CONCLUSION: Undergraduate students in southeastern Bangladesh exhibited poor knowledge but positive attitudes and perceptions toward PMS. Incorporation of premarital training modules into university curricula, as well as media- and community-based programs, may increase knowledge and promote preventive health behaviors.

PMID:41668059 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-26464-8

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-08750-w. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41668055 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-026-08750-w