Application of data mining technology in constructing self-management association rules for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
LIN Xiuli1, BAO Shaorui2, HUANG Haiping2, SHU Meichun2
1.Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China;2.Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China
LIN Xiuli,BAO Shaorui,HUANG Haiping, et al. Application of data mining technology in constructing self-management association rules for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. JOURNAL OF WEZHOU MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, 2023, 53(9): 749-753.
Abstract：Objective: To explore factors associated with the self-management ability of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to provide the basis for patients to develop reasonable selfmanagement plans. Methods: Collecting the baseline data of 241 NAFLD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital Wenzhou Medical University from November 2020 to September 2021, including marital status, smoking history, education level, body mass index, fatty liver degree, etc. and their self-management ability. The researchers utilized the Apriori algorithm to mine frequent itemsets of association rules, analyze patient-related data and extract itemsets related to self-management from the database. Subsequently, association rules were constructed. Results:The self-management score of patients ranged from 60 to 130 points, with an average of (91.24±16.98) points,which were divided into high, medium and low levels. With conditions set, a total of 1 322 rules were screened
out through chi-square tests. Considering patient factors, clinical practice and professional nursing knowledge,the researchers decided on nine rules that were directly associated with self-management ability. Conclusion:The findings suggest that variables such as body mass index, number of comorbidities with chronic diseases,
degree of fatty liver disease, smoking history, marital status, and educational level are correlated with the selfmanagement ability of NAFLD patients. Therefore, it is recommended that patients from different cultural backgrounds adopt personalized education programs. Additionally, active involvement of family members in weight control and smoking cessation is encouraged to improve patients’ self-management ability and enhance the prognosis of NAFLD patients.
