{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Romanian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Roxana-Denisa Capraș, Teodora Telecan, Răzvan Crețeanu, Carmen-Bianca Crivii, Alexandru-Florin Badea, Ariana-Anamaria Cordoș, Diana Roman-Pepine, Carmen-Maria Micu","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Sexual and reproductive health is a critical aspect of medical education, yet significant knowledge gaps persist even among future healthcare professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of Romanian medical students regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraceptive practices. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 510 undergraduate medical students, using a validated 30-item online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic data, sexual behaviors, STI knowledge, and attitudes towards sexual health. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze the data. <b>Results:</b> Participants demonstrated a good understanding of common STI pathogens and transmission routes, with 99.02% identifying unprotected vaginal intercourse as a risk factor. However, only 58.82% correctly identified Chlamydia trachomatis, and awareness of less common pathogens remained low. Long-term complications such as infertility (85.29%) and cervical cancer (87.25%) were well recognized, although misconceptions about STI severity persisted, with over 40% believing that STIs are not dangerous because they are treatable. Male students reported earlier sexual debut and more frequent high-risk behaviors, while females were more likely to consult specialist doctors and receive HPV vaccination. The level of knowledge correlated positively with parental education and faculty program. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite generally high awareness of STI-related topics, considerable gaps and misconceptions persist among Romanian medical students. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, structured sexual health education integrated into medical curricula to ensure future healthcare providers are well-equipped to promote public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101127
Hyeok Park, Daeyeol Kim, Han-Seong Jeong, Sujeong Jang
{"title":"Grip Strength as an Indicator of Health in Elderly Females.","authors":"Hyeok Park, Daeyeol Kim, Han-Seong Jeong, Sujeong Jang","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101127","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to determine whether hand grip strength (HGS) could estimate the physical function of older women with or without obesity or sarcopenia in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 541 elderly women aged 60-95 years (mean age: 79.87 ± 6.64) participated in the study. Physical function was assessed using HGS, 10 m walk test, figure-of-8 walk test, and 30-s chair stand test. Among the participants, 400 (76.8%) were classified as obese, and 137 (26.3%) had sarcopenia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed that HGS was significantly lower in the sarcopenic group (16.58 ± 2.86 kg) than in the normal group (24.31 ± 3.33 kg, <i>p</i> < 0.001). HGS was negatively correlated with body fat (r = -0.146, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and positively correlated with physical performance. Additionally, exercise habits were significantly associated with reduced obesity risk (OR = 0.592, <i>p</i> = 0.027). This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chonnam National University (IRB No. 1040198-220210-BR-009-03). The significance of hand grip strength was comparable to that of gait speed, walking capacity, coordination, and balance function.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that grip strength can serve as a physical indicator of healthy condition and physical function with or without sarcopenia or obesity in older women.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101123
Samuel Engst, Kristoffer Fangrat, Håkan Lane, Mauro Lombardo
{"title":"Lifestyle, Age, and Heart Disease Evidence from European Datasets.","authors":"Samuel Engst, Kristoffer Fangrat, Håkan Lane, Mauro Lombardo","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study examined the interplay between age, exercise, BMI, and cardiovascular health, addressing the growing global health concern of obesity and its link to heart disease. <b>Methods:</b> This research utilized data from an Italian dietary survey and the Dutch Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (LISS) panel. Statistical analyses included an ANOVA, linear regression, Mann-Whitney tests, regression with interaction terms, and stratified logistic regression to analyze the impact of age and exercise on BMI and cardiovascular risk. <b>Results:</b> This study revealed that BMI increased with age while exercise participation declined, particularly among women. Exercise consistently lowered BMI across all age groups, with no significant interaction between age and exercise. Additionally, age-related increases in cardiovascular risk factors were confirmed, with a higher susceptibility to heart disease in older age. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the importance of maintaining physical activity to mitigate the risks of obesity and cardiovascular disease. The observed age-specific trends support the development of tailored prevention programs to promote healthier lifestyles across all age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101126
Bogdan Florin Căpăstraru, Codrina Mihaela Levai, Ovidiu Alexandru Mederle, Milan Daniel Velimirovici, Roxana Folescu, Hogea Bogdan, Radu Prejbeanu, Silviu Valentin Vlad
{"title":"Comparative Assessment of Quality of Life in Hip Fracture Patients Before and After Surgery: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study.","authors":"Bogdan Florin Căpăstraru, Codrina Mihaela Levai, Ovidiu Alexandru Mederle, Milan Daniel Velimirovici, Roxana Folescu, Hogea Bogdan, Radu Prejbeanu, Silviu Valentin Vlad","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101126","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives:</b> Hip fractures are a leading cause of morbidity in the elderly, often resulting in declining physical function, psychological distress, and diminished quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate changes in QoL among hip fracture patients preoperatively and postoperatively, comparing diverse patient subgroups to identify factors influencing recovery. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study at Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, recruiting 77 adult patients admitted for surgical management of hip fractures between March 2023 and March 2025. Standardized questionnaires, including the Short Form-36 (SF-36), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), were administered preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were also recorded. <b>Results:</b> Participants' mean age was 72.6 years (SD 8.1), with 57.1% female. Postoperative QoL scores (SF-36 Physical Function domain mean 52.7 ± 9.2) improved significantly compared to preoperative scores (44.8 ± 8.7, <i>p</i> = 0.012). WHOQOL-BREF physical and psychological domain scores similarly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Anxiety and depression symptoms, as measured by HADS and GAD-7, decreased markedly postoperatively in most subgroups. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty demonstrated more pronounced QoL improvements than those receiving partial hip replacement. Older patients (≥80 years) exhibited improvements but at a slower rate. <b>Conclusions:</b> Quality of life indicators show notable improvement following surgical treatment of hip fractures, underscoring the significance of timely orthopedic intervention and comprehensive perioperative care. Anxiety and depression levels also declined, highlighting the benefits of a structured follow-up. These findings may guide clinicians toward optimizing patient-centered recovery protocols and targeted interventions, particularly for older adults or those with high baseline anxiety and depression levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101122
Fahad S Alshehri, Ahmed M Ashour, Hanouf S Bafhaid, Alanood S Algarni, Maan H Harbi, Nasser M Alorfi
{"title":"University Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Substance Abuse: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Fahad S Alshehri, Ahmed M Ashour, Hanouf S Bafhaid, Alanood S Algarni, Maan H Harbi, Nasser M Alorfi","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substance abuse is a major public health issue, particularly among university students. Understanding students' knowledge and attitudes toward substance abuse is important for designing educational and preventive strategies, helping early intervention efforts, supporting mental health services, and ensuring culturally suitable programming.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess university students' knowledge and attitudes regarding substance abuse and to identify demographic and educational factors associated with these variables.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 745 university students from various academic disciplines. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitudes related to substance abuse. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and regression tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample included 50.5% males and 49.5% females, with the majority aged 18-21 years (58.0%). Most participants had heard of substance abuse (91.7%) and recognized its association with chronic disease (97.3%). Knowledge scores varied significantly on the basis of academic background and prior exposure to awareness programs. Attitudes toward substance abuse were mixed, with a notable proportion of students perceiving potential benefits in certain contexts. A weak, non-significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (<i>r</i> = 0.068, <i>p</i> = 0.064).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although students showed generally good knowledge about substance abuse, variations in understanding and attitudes were obvious across demographic and educational subgroups. These findings emphasize the need for targeted, context-specific educational interventions to address misconceptions and improve preventive awareness. Future research should evaluate the long-term impact of such interventions on students' attitudes and behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101121
Daniele Giansanti
{"title":"Advancements and Impacts of Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in Healthcare: Insights from an Editorial Initiative of Exploration.","authors":"Daniele Giansanti","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assistive technologies, robotics, and automated machines are revolutionizing the healthcare sector, offering groundbreaking solutions that enhance patient outcomes and improve operational efficiency [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144157849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-11DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101116
Maria Valentina Popa, Irina Luciana Gurzu, Claudia Mariana Handra, Bogdan Gurzu, Alina Pleșea Condratovici, Mădălina Duceac Covrig, Eva Maria Elkan, Dana Elena Mîndru, Vlad Andrei Dabija, Letiția Doina Duceac
{"title":"Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Musculoskeletal Disorder-Related Absenteeism Among Pediatric Healthcare Workers.","authors":"Maria Valentina Popa, Irina Luciana Gurzu, Claudia Mariana Handra, Bogdan Gurzu, Alina Pleșea Condratovici, Mădălina Duceac Covrig, Eva Maria Elkan, Dana Elena Mîndru, Vlad Andrei Dabija, Letiția Doina Duceac","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives:</b> Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting healthcare delivery. Pediatric HCWs face specific physical demands such as lifting and awkward postures. While absenteeism rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on pediatric MSD-related leave remain unclear. This study examined MSD-related absenteeism trends among pediatric HCWs in a Romanian hospital across the pre-pandemic (2017-2019), pandemic (2020-2021), and post-pandemic (2022-2023) periods. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective observational study using records from the hospital's occupational health database. We included all HCWs who took MSD-related leave during 2017-2023. Diagnoses included arthropathies, dorsopathies, other osteoarticular/connective tissue disorders, and acute trauma or fractures. We used chi-square tests, ANOVA, and regression models to identify trends and predictors. <b>Results:</b> A total of 3388 cases were analyzed. Post-pandemic absenteeism increased significantly (40.1%), especially among women (86.8%), nurses (46.7%), and workers aged ≥46 (62.7%). A seasonal shift was observed, with spring peaks (March 9.7% and May 9.9%) replacing the pre-pandemic autumn peaks (October 11.9% and November 12.8%). The regression models identified age, occupation, and diagnosis type as significant predictors of leave duration. <b>Conclusions:</b> MSD-related absenteeism rose post-pandemic and showed altered seasonal patterns. Occupational and demographic predictors identified through a multivariate analysis highlight the need for anticipatory, evidence-based strategies to support pediatric HCWs, enhance workforce resilience, and sustain healthcare performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy and Booster Dose Adherence Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Crete, Greece.","authors":"Izolde Bouloukaki, Antonios Christodoulakis, Athina Patelarou, Konstantinos Giakoumidakis, Michail Zografakis-Sfakianakis, Evridiki Patelarou, Ioanna Tsiligianni","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Vaccination hesitancy remains a global challenge, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the prevalence of hesitancy towards regular COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses (additional doses beyond the primary to sustain or improve immunity), among university students and its associated factors. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 190 university students from Hellenic Mediterranean University in Crete, Greece. Data were collected through an electronic survey distributed from July to October 2024. The survey included socio-demographic characteristics, health status factors, prior COVID-19 infection and vaccination history (general and for COVID-19), attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination, and the Attitude Towards Adult Vaccination (ATAVAC) scale. Qualitative data were also collected by addressing themes regarding ways to overcome vaccine hesitancy. <b>Results:</b> The study found that 64% of participants expressed hesitancy towards receiving COVID-19 booster doses. Factors contributing to this hesitancy were female gender, current smoking, pregnancy, concerns about vaccine side effects, a lack of confidence in vaccine efficacy, COVID-19 infection history, low perceived susceptibility to infection, and reliance on media information. Additionally, increased trust in the value of adult vaccination, adhering to recommendations of treating physician/scientist opinions, and prior adherence to vaccination were positively associated with regular COVID-19 vaccinations. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified four key strategies to overcome student vaccine hesitancy: enhancing health literacy, validating vaccine safety through further research, alleviating pandemic-related fears, and addressing distrust in authorities and opposition to mandatory vaccination. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our findings provide insights into the intricate factors and barriers of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among university students, thus emphasizing the need for more targeted interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-11DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101118
Christina Koutsofta, Maria Dimitriadou, Maria Karanikola
{"title":"\"Divergent Needs and the Empathy Gap\": Exploring the Experience of Workplace Violence Against Nurses Employed in the Emergency Department.","authors":"Christina Koutsofta, Maria Dimitriadou, Maria Karanikola","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Violence in healthcare settings, especially in emergency departments (ED), remains an important public health issue worldwide. Thus, additional insight into the effect of these incidents into nurses' professional attitudes, their work life and related implications to patient safety issues may be valuable. We investigated ED nurses' living experience of exposure to workplace violence by healthcare service users, with focus on the impact on them.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following a qualitative study design, data were collected (January-June 2024) through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions and were analyzed according to an inductive, content analysis approach. Participants provided informed consent, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample included six nurses. Various forms of workplace violence and its psychological, social, and professional consequences were identified. Violence was more frequently perpetrated by patients' relatives, with verbal aggression being the most common form. A fundamental divergence in needs and expectation between patients and their family members/caregivers, on one side, and participants, on the other, revealed a pronounced empathy gap. Each group remained focused on its own priorities while struggling to recognize or accommodate others' perspectives. This lack of mutual understanding contributed to tension that, in some cases, escalated even into physically violent incidents against the participants. A similar gap was identified between the participants' needs and administrators' attitudes and related policies. The failure of administrative measures to bridge this gap was described as a crucial factor in further escalating conflicts and tension in the ED.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Further research on quality improvement projects, including all stakeholders, aiming to enhance empathy in all parties involved is proposed.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-11DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101114
Kaung Htet Hein, Wai Lok Woo, Gholamreza Rafiee
{"title":"Integrative Machine Learning Framework for Enhanced Subgroup Classification in Medulloblastoma.","authors":"Kaung Htet Hein, Wai Lok Woo, Gholamreza Rafiee","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, classified into four primary molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4, each exhibiting significant molecular heterogeneity and varied survival outcomes. Accurate classification of these subgroups is crucial for optimizing treatments and improving patient outcomes. DNA methylation profiling is a promising approach for subgroup classification; however, its application is still evolving, with ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and develop more accurate classification methods.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to develop a supervised machine learning-based framework using Illumina 450K methylation data to classify medulloblastoma into seven molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH-Infant, SHH-Child, Group3-LowRisk, Group3-HighRisk, Group4-LowRisk, and Group4-HighRisk, incorporating age and risk factors for enhanced subgroup differentiation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The proposed model leverages six metagenes, capturing the underlying patterns of the top 10,000 probes with the highest variances from Illumina 450K data, thus enhancing methylation data representation while reducing computational demands.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the models evaluated, the SVM achieved the highest performance, with a mean balanced accuracy 98% and a macro-averaged AUC of 0.99 in an independent validation. This suggests that the model effectively captures the relevant methylation patterns for medulloblastoma subgroup classification.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The developed SVM-based model provides a robust framework for accurate classification of medulloblastoma subgroups using DNA methylation data. Integrating this model into clinical decision making could enhance subgroup-directed therapies and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}