Tag: statistics

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Aug 1;8(8):e2525652. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25652.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Breast and cervical cancers are leading causes of cancer mortality in low-resource countries, yet awareness remains critically understudied among displaced populations in humanitarian crises. Lebanese women displaced to Syria represent a group navigating compounded vulnerabilities associated with conflict, displacement, and a collapsed health care system and may experience important gaps in cancer knowledge and access.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge of breast and cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms and screening for early cancer detection among displaced Lebanese women in Syria.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study measured breast cancer, cervical cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge using a survey containing validated, Arabic-translated scales administered via structured interviews from November to December 2024. Lebanese women (aged ≥18 years) displaced to Syria and visiting outpatient health care facilities in Damascus were included. Women who were not Lebanese and with acute or severe physical or mental health conditions were excluded.

EXPOSURE: Breast cancer and cervical cancer knowledge.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was knowledge of cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening practices. Analyses included Fisher exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman rank correlation.

RESULTS: Among 378 displaced Lebanese women in Syria (median [IQR] age, 30 [23-39] years), 196 (51.9%) were married, 187 (49.5%) held a university degree, and 222 (58.7%) were unemployed. Only 85 participants (22.5%) had ever undergone breast imaging, 64 (16.9%) had undergone a Papanicolaou test, 274 (72.5%) rarely or never examined their breasts, and 135 (35.7%) ignored observed breast changes. Knowledge gaps were prominent, with 348 (92.1%) having a low awareness of HPV and only 4 (1.1%) correctly identifying age as an important risk factor for breast cancer. Higher educational attainment was significantly associated with improved screening rates and knowledge of breast and cervical cancer (χ23 = 11.661; P = .009), whereas financial status showed no association.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that displaced women during humanitarian crises may face substantial breast and cervical cancer screening barriers, underscoring the need for crisis-responsive health care.

PMID:40768145 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25652

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Aug 1;8(8):e2525671. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25671.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Suicide attempts (SA) are a major public health concern and a preventable cause of premature death with a significant societal cost. Suicide reattempt (SR) rates are high in the postdischarge period for an SA. Brief contact interventions (BCIs) aim to prevent SR by recontacting patients after discharge through crisis cards, calls, letters, or messages. A nationwide BCI was deployed in 6 French regions between 2015 and 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes and the cost benefit of the program in reducing SR risk within 12 months after discharge.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective multicenter cohort study using nationwide data from the French health insurance database and emergency department surveillance system. Patients exposed to the program between 2015 and 2017 were matched 1:1 with unexposed patients based on age, sex, history of SA, and diagnosis codes using propensity scores and followed up for 12 months. Survival and cost-benefit analyses were conducted in [month to month] 2022.

EXPOSURE: Participation in the program, including structured follow-up using crisis cards, telephone calls, and/or postcards for up to 6 months after discharge.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was time to first SR or suicide-related death within 12 months. The secondary outcome was the number of SRs and cost savings.

RESULTS: Among 23 146 individuals, 14 504 (62.6%) were female, 12 244 (52.9%) had no history of SA, and the mean (SD) age was 39 (17) years. Exposure to the program was associated with a lower risk of SR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.59-0.67). This association was consistent regardless of patients’ history of SAs (aHR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.57-0.71 for those without prior attempts; aHR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.56-0.66 for those with prior attempts) and appeared greater among female participants (aHR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.54-0.68) than male participants (aHR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61-0.76). The program yielded a return on investment of €2.06 (95% CI, €1.58-€2.50) per euro spent.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, exposure to the program was associated with a reduced risk of SR and favorable economic outcomes.

PMID:40768143 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25671

Indian J Pediatr. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s12098-025-05690-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To validate the disease-specific quality of life (QoL) instrument for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) patients in three Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil and Bengali). Additionally, also to reveal the significant factors which effect QoL of PIBD patients in India.

METHODS: One hundred and two (102) PIBD patients (mean age 13 ± 2.59 y) across 6 centres were enrolled. Each child completed two questionnaires – the IMPACT-III and Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL™) – in one of the three languages. A uniform clinico-demographic proforma was completed for each recruit to reveal factors which determine QoL. During analysis authors used Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency, principal component analysis for factor analysis, Spearman’s correlation between the questionnaires for concurrent validity and ANOVA analysis between IMPACT-III health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores and disease severity to establish discriminant validity.

RESULTS: A five-domain structure was most suitable: ‘Concerns’, ‘Social acceptance’, ‘Mental disposition’, ‘Disease adjustment’ & ‘Self-confidence’, with good internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.73-0.94). Concurrent and discriminant validity of the new questionnaire was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). Higher monthly family income led to better QoL scores in the ‘Concerns’ (p = 0.04) and ‘Disease adjustment’ (p = 0.03) domains while children with ulcerative colitis (UC) had better ‘Social acceptance’ scores than children with Crohn’s disease (CD) (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: Modified IMPACT-III questionnaire with a five-domain structure demonstrated good validity and reliability for Indian population. ‘Social acceptance’ was higher in patients with ulcerative colitis. There is a favourable impact of higher family income on ‘Concerns’ and ‘Disease adjustment’ in PIBD.

PMID:40768130 | DOI:10.1007/s12098-025-05690-9

Intern Emerg Med. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s11739-025-04072-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In cardiac arrest (CA) patients, arterial blood gas parameters, such as pH values, lactate concentrations, and base deficit (BD), are routinely evaluated in the emergency department (ED). We examined the relationship between BD and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), neurological surveys, and intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization length for in-and out-of-hospital CA (IHCA and OHCA, respectively) patients. We included non-traumatic adult CA patients in the present study. Age, gender, arterial blood gas (ABG) test results, CPR duration, ROSC, ICU hospitalization length, 30-day surveys, and neurological surveys were obtained for each patient. We included 448 CA patients. The mean age of the study group was 62.80 ± 17.64 years. The number of OHCA patients was 251 (56%), and IHCA patients consisted of 197 (44%). Mean BD values of the non-surviving OHCA patients was – 16.67 ± 6.72. This corresponding value in survival patients value was – 14.89 ± 6.62, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.420). In the IHCA group, a weak negative correlation between BD levels and CPR duration (p < 0.001, r = – 0.247) was found. A weak positive correlation between BD and ICU hospitalization length (p < 0.001, r = 0.342) was also found. CPR duration correlated weakly and negatively with BD in the OHCA group (p = 0.03, r = – 0.192). In the IHCA group, BD was related to both ROSC (p < 0.001) and 30-day survival (p < 0.001). In the OHCA group, BD was related to ROSC (p = 0.020) and 30-day surveys (p = 0.042). In the IHCA group, a weak negative correlation between BD levels and CPR duration in addition to a weak positive correlation between BD and ICU hospitalization length was found. CPR duration negatively correlated with BD in the OHCA group.

PMID:40768124 | DOI:10.1007/s11739-025-04072-5

Eur J Epidemiol. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s10654-025-01281-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Complex multidimensional data are becoming more widely available and are drastically affecting the way epidemiological studies are designed and conducted. Novel frameworks such as the exposome-which encompasses the comprehensive and cumulative set of exposures affecting individuals throughout their lifetime and the complex mechanisms through which they act – provide a unique opportunity to transform how public health recommendations are identified at the population and individual level. This data revolution is accompanied by a growing interest in analytical approaches that can handle the complexity of these novel research questions. These include semi-parametric and non-parametric statistical and machine learning methodologies that provide compelling frameworks for analyzing large-scale databases while mitigating overfitting. Nevertheless, interpreting results from these complex methods is often challenging. While discussions on interpretability have largely focused on statistical inference, causal considerations and the practical applicability of the findings to inform the design of tangible interventions have received less attention-despite being essential components of epidemiological research. With this commentary we provide a general overview of these three levels of interpretability-statistical, causal, and actionable-and discuss available tools that can aid epidemiologists to improve results interpretability as they start utilizing more complex analytical approaches.

PMID:40768123 | DOI:10.1007/s10654-025-01281-2

J Community Genet. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s12687-025-00824-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant genetic disorder that imposes a considerable global health burden. The notable prevalence of SCD in Tanzania, coupled with extensive economic, psychological, and social ramifications, underscores the importance of premarital genetic screening to carriers of the sickle cell trait. This study aimed to assess the determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital genotype screening test for sickle cell disease carriers (PMGS) among health sciences undergraduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. An analytical cross-sectional design was used among 470 undergraduate students selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A total of 448 questionnaires were completed and submitted, with a response rate of 95.3%. More than half of the students (57.24%) had a good perception of PMGS, and the majority (92.2%) expressed their intention to participate in PMGS. Respondents who received information from healthcare professionals had a significant association (p = 0.031) with good perception. Most students were willing to participate in the PMGS program. As healthcare students, they are an important group in the development of national screening programs; similar studies in other universities in Tanzania are needed to obtain representative samples of undergraduates nationwide.

PMID:40768122 | DOI:10.1007/s12687-025-00824-0

Clin Rheumatol. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s10067-025-07596-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are no effective pharmacological treatments for calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease. We aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for CPPD disease by integrating various publicly available datasets.

METHODS: We integrated data from druggable genomes, cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL)/cis-protein quantitative trait loci (cis-pQTL) in human blood and skeletal muscle tissues, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics related to CPPD disease. This integration aimed to investigate potential causal relationships between drug target genes and CPPD disease using Mendelian randomization (MR) method. To validate these causal links, we performed sensitivity analyses and Bayesian colocalization. Furthermore, we applied phenome-wide Mendelian randomization (Phe-MR) approach to assess potential side effects or alternative therapeutic indications for the identified drug targets. Finally, we explored actionable drugs for these target genes using existing databases.

RESULTS: MR analysis identified four druggable genes-ULK3, CSK, PPIE, and NFKB1-that may have potential causal associations with CPPD disease in human blood or skeletal muscle tissue. These genes were further confirmed by Bayesian colocalization (PPH4 > 80%). The upregulation of ULK3 (blood eQTL, beta: 0.62, 95% CI: 1.129-3.091, P = 0.015; muscle eQTL, beta: 0.93, 95% CI: 1.055-6.146, P = 0.037; blood pQTL, beta: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.199-126.169, P = 0.034), CSK (blood eQTL, beta: 0.69, 95% CI: 1.094-3.650, P = 0.024; muscle eQTL, beta: 0.98, 95% CI: 1.058-6.707, P = 0.037; blood pQTL, beta: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.509-606.864, P = 0.025), and PPIE (blood eQTL, beta: 0.52, 95% CI: 1.218-2.321, P = 0.001; muscle eQTL, beta: 0.85, 95% CI: 1.384-3.962, P = 0.001; blood pQTL, beta: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.094-7.565, P = 0.032) in blood and skeletal muscle tissues was positively associated with the risk of CPPD disease. Conversely, NFKB1 showed an inverse relationship with CPPD disease risk (blood eQTL, beta: – 0.99, 95% CI: 0.147-0.935, P = 0.035; muscle eQTL, beta: – 1.95, 95% CI: 0.046-0.437, P = 0.001; blood pQTL, beta: – 3.17, 95% CI: 0.002-0.762, P = 0.032). The Phe-MR analysis indicated that the four potential therapeutic targets for CPPD disease had no significant adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicated that ULK3, CSK, PPIE, and NFKB1 may be promising targets for CPPD disease. Key Points • ULK3, CSK, PPIE, and NFKB1 may be drug target genes in CPPD disease.

PMID:40768106 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-025-07596-5

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Aug 6;33(9):758. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09813-y.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although digital health technologies (DHTs) are promising to improve health outcomes in older adults with cancer, the low adoption and limited use remain significant gaps in their effective digital health care. Little is known about their concerns about adopting and using DHTs in routine life, particularly in the continued use phase. This study aims to explore factors affecting the initial adoption and continued use of DHTs among older adults with cancer.

METHODS: A secondary analysis of qualitative data was conducted based on interviews with 21 older adults (≥ 65 years) with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer. The transcripts of interview recordings were analyzed using a thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Three major themes and several subthemes were identified as potential factors affecting the (1) initial adoption, (2) continued use, and (3) limited use of DHTs. Digitalized healthcare systems and access to technology influenced the initial adoption of DHTs. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, expected timely care from providers, and increased sense of control emerged as leading factors to the continued use. The limited use of DHTs was influenced by a lack of knowledge and skills, a lack of direct interaction with providers, and concerns about digital communication quality.

CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring digital access and providing technology-based solutions that meet diverse patient needs is crucial to promoting the adoption and use of DHTs among older adults with cancer. Healthcare providers should address older adults’ low digital literacy and uncertainty to ensure the quality of cancer care provided through DHTs.

PMID:40768101 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09813-y

Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Aug 6. doi: 10.1007/s00247-025-06293-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Our institution decided to implement an awake MRI scanning quality improvement project using audiovisual distraction (AVD) technology.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the utilization of minimal/moderate sedation by at least 20% in children 4 to 18 years, while maintaining comparable diagnostic quality and adhering to allotted exam times, through the implementation of an awake MRI program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This project was conducted at a pediatric sedation clinic between October 2021 and January 2024. We included patients 4 to 18 years of age, scheduled for an MRI at the pediatric hospital, and eligible for either minimal/moderate sedation or AVD. The outcome measure was the percentage of patients referred to our sedation clinic who completed an MRI with AVD and without sedation, analyzed on a statistical process control (SPC) P-Chart. Process measures were the number of children eligible for AVD per month, analyzed on an SPC C-Chart. Balance measures were the number of studies that exceeded allotted exam time or were non-diagnostic.

RESULTS: Of 734 MRI referrals aged 4 to 18 years, 320 patients met inclusion criteria. Two hundred twenty-eight (71.3%) received minimal/moderate sedation (mean age [SD] 9.7 years [± 3.0]) and 92 (28.8%) underwent AVD (mean age 10.0 years [± 2.7]). The average monthly decrease in minimal/moderate sedation use was 28.8 percentage points. The average number of children considered eligible for AVD increased by special cause variation from 3.8 to 7 patients per month. All 92 MRI referrals triaged to AVD completed their MRI successfully without sedation; all studies were diagnostic, and 96% of studies were within the allotted exam time.

CONCLUSION: We implemented an awake MRI program with AVD that decreased monthly sedation needs by 28.8 percentage points while maintaining a high rate of diagnostic studies and no MRI delays.

PMID:40768097 | DOI:10.1007/s00247-025-06293-4

Cancer Control. 2025 Jan-Dec;32:10732748251362950. doi: 10.1177/10732748251362950. Epub 2025 Aug 6.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionHealth and psychosocial outcomes are often interdependent for people with cancer and their informal caregivers. However, few studies have examined interdependence among U.S. Black patients and their caregivers. In this prospective study, we analyzed whether Black women with breast cancer and their caregivers demonstrated interdependence in depressive symptoms and other outcomes over time.MethodsPatient and caregiver data were collected via telephone surveys at three timepoints (baseline, two months, four months). Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (random-intercept cross-panel models in Mplus) were used to analyze depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression scale; CES-D), physical and mental health quality of life, perceived social support, and health behaviors. We hypothesized patients and caregivers would demonstrate interdependence for these outcomes both cross-sectionally and over time.ResultsWe enrolled 210 participants. All patients and 93% of caregivers identified as Black/African American; 70% of caregivers identified as female. Two-thirds (66%) of dyads did not live together. Mean baseline CES-D score was 15.0 (SD = 10.9) for patients and 11.9 (SD = 9.0) for caregivers. We did not find prospective interdependence for any outcomes. Dyad members were moderately correlated in overall levels (intercepts) of physical health quality of life (r = .25), mental health quality of life (r = .28), social support (r = .37), and health behavior scores (r = .33).ConclusionThis study is one of the first longitudinal, dyadic examinations of outcomes for Black breast cancer patients and their informal caregivers. Although our hypothesis of prospective interdependence was not supported, we observed moderate correlations of overall levels of several measures. These results suggest that patients with lower social support, poor health behaviors, and worse quality of life may also have caregivers who could benefit from intervention.

PMID:40767116 | DOI:10.1177/10732748251362950