New approaches to disease causation research based on the sufficient-component cause model

Up to date, the sufficient-component cause model seems to be a theoretical framework for disease causation in epidemiology, and its implications in epidemiological research methods is currently still limited. Recently, pitfalls in current epidemiological research methods were addressed based on the sufficient-component cause model; hence, new research approaches are needed as alternatives. Therefore, this paper aims to review and suggest new epidemiological methods used to assess disease causation. A new approach was discussed to identify potential mechanisms of disease occurrence which may be useful for risk prediction and disease prevention. In addition, a novel “exposed case-control” design was introduced to identify potential component causes. Furthermore, this paper suggested a new approach of conducting a systematic review/meta-analysis related to causation studies

Classical causation research practices and sufficient-component cause model – Appraisal and pitfalls

The sufficient-component cause model is one of the most discussed recent theories in disease causation. Despite some limitations, it seems one of the best theories to explain real world phenomena. It seems that this model has many implications on the current classical research methods related to disease causation. However, these implications have not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, based on the sufficient-component cause model, this paper aims to review, identify and rectify pitfalls in the classical causation research practices, especially those related to cohort study design

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward research among Oman medical specialty board residents

OBJECTIVES: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has mandated residency programs to teach the basic principles of research in residency programs. This study aimed to assess the research knowledge, attitude, and practice among the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) residents. Secondarily, it aimed to asses associations between different factors and research-related knowledge, attitude, and practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all residents who were involved in OMSB various training programs in the academic year 2018/2019. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Hard copies of the questionnaire were delivered to residents in addition to the online forms. Data were entered using EpiData entry software and analyzed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: A total of 256 residents participated in the study with a response rate of 46.5%. Around 55% of included residents have poor knowledge level, and 44% have moderate knowledge level. The study showed that the majority (93%) of the residents have positive research attitude. However, the practice domain showed that only 27.8% of residents have published articles as first or coauthor. Lack of time was reported as a major hindrance in nearly two-thirds of the residents. Lack of training (56%), lack of research-focused curriculum (47%), and lack of effective supervision (46%) were among major reported obstacles beside others. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that OMSB residents have inadequate knowledge and lagging research practices, but a positive attitude toward research. This emphasizes the need for research-focused curricula and further training. In addition, applying new regulations, including mandatory manuscript submission, may improve the practice status

Student and Supervisor Perspective on Undergraduate Research in a Teaching-Intensive Setting in Oman

Undergraduate research (UGR) is a valuable experience that can potentially enhance the quality of graduates, and raise awareness of the importance of research and its impact on career development. These outcomes, however, depend on the environment under which students conduct research. The present study assessed the staff and students’ perspective of UGR in an intensive teaching setting at the college of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS), Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman. We assessed the perception of supervisors (n = 90) and students (n = 314) of UGR and factors that hinder the research experience. Satisfaction towards UGR among supervisors and students was good (mean = 72.4 ± 13.0) and moderate (mean = 57.8 ±14.2), respectively. The students reported a good satisfaction towards the relevance of UGR (mean = 71.34 ± 20.0), the research skills acquired (63.43 ± 18.9), and interaction with research supervisors (68.47 ± 23.5). Female students were more positive towards UGR than males. The students’ grade in the UGR module was the only independent factor influencing their satisfaction. Similar to the students, supervisors were highly satisfied with the relevance of UGR (mean = 84.4% ± 20.7), the module structure (mean = 73.3 ± 14.6), workload (mean = 73.3 ± 14.6) and the students’ performance (71.8% ± 18). However, supervisors were less positive about the students’ acquired skills (mean = 69.0% ±12.8) and available logistics to support UGR (mean = 67.8% ± 16.3). In summary, supervisors and students in COMHS, Oman, (SQU) regard UGR as valuable and recognize its relevance. Supervisors were more likely than students to report a lack of resources to run UGR. Thus, resources should be maintained to inspire supervisors and sustain an active research environment to inspire students

External validation of a cardiovascular risk model for Omani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives To externally validate a recently developed cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk model for Omanis with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Design Retrospective cohort study.Setting Nine primary care centres in Muscat Governorate, Oman.Participants A total of 809 male and female adult Omani patients with T2DM free of CVD at baseline were selected using a systematic random sampling strategy.Outcome measures Data regarding CVD risk factors and outcomes were collected from the patients’ electronic medical records between 29 August 2020 and 2 May 2021. The ability of the model to discriminate CVD risk was assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic curve. Calibration of the model was evaluated using a Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 test and the Brier score.Results The incidence of CVD events over the 5-year follow-up period was 4.6%, with myocardial infarction being most frequent (48.6%), followed by peripheral arterial disease (27%) and non-fatal stroke (21.6%). A cut-off risk value of 11.8% demonstrated good sensitivity (67.6%) and specificity (66.5%). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.7 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.78) and the Brier score was 0.01. However, the overall mean predicted risk was greater than the overall observed risk (11.8% vs 4.6%) and the calibration graph showed a relatively significant difference between predicted and observed risk levels in different subgroups.Conclusions Although the model slightly overestimated the CVD risk, it demonstrated good discrimination. Recalibration of the model is required, after which it has the potential to be applied to patients presenting to diabetic care centres elsewhere in Oman