Use of data mining algorithms in assessing the affecting factors on predicting the health status of newborns

Background & Objective: Prediction of health status in newborns and also identification of its affecting factors is of the utmost importance. There are different ways of prediction. In this study, effective models and patterns have been studied using decision tree algorithm. Method: This study was conducted on ۱,۶۶۸ childbirths in three hospitals of Shohada, Omidi and Mehr in city of Behshahr. Variables such as baby's gender, birth weight, birth order, maternal age, maternal history of illness, gestational diseases, type of delivery, reason of caesarean section, maternal age, family relationship of father and mother, mother's blood type, mother's occupation and blood pressure and place of residence were chosen as predictive factors of decision tree categorization method. The health status of the baby was used as a dependent dual-mode variable. All variables were used in clustering and correlation rules. Prediction was done and then compared using ۴ decision-tree algorithms. Results: In the clustering method, the optimal number of clusters was determined as ۸, using the Dunn index measurement. Among all the implemented algorithms of CART, QUEST, CHAID and C۵.۰, C۵.۰ algorithm with detection rate of ۹۴.۴۴% was identified as the best algorithm. By implementing the Apriori algorithm, strong correlation rules were extracted with regard to the threshold for Support and Confidence. Among the characteristics, maternal age, birth weight and reason of caesarean section with the highest impacts were found as the most important factors in the prediction. Conclusion: Due to the simple interpretation of the decision tree and understandability of the extracted rules derived from it, this model can be used for (most individuals) professionals and pregnant women at different levels.