Bias in machine learning applications to address non-communicable diseases at a population-level: a scoping review
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12889_2024_Article_21081.pdf
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1.21 MB
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Author(s)
Birdi, Sharon
Rabet, Roxana
Durant, Steve
Patel, Atushi
Vosoughi, Tina
Shergill, Mahek
Costanian, Christy
Ziegler, Carolyn P.
Ali, Shehzad
Buckeridge, David
Date Issued
December 28, 2024
Journal
BMC Public Health
Publisher
BioMed Central
Citation
Birdi, S., Rabet, R., Durant, S. et al. Bias in machine learning applications to address non-communicable diseases at a population-level: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 24, 3599 (2024).
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Background Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in population and public health to support epidemiological studies, surveillance, and evaluation. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to identify studies that use ML in population health, with a focus on its use in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We also examine potential algorithmic biases in model design, training, and implementation, as well as efforts to mitigate these biases. Methods We searched the peer-reviewed, indexed literature using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Scopus, ACM Digital Library, Inspec, Web of Science’s Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, and the Emerging Sources Citation Index, up to March 2022. Results The search identified 27 310 studies and 65 were included. Study aims were separated into algorithm comparison (n = 13, 20%) or disease modelling for population-health-related outputs (n = 52, 80%). We extracted data on NCD type, data sources, technical approach, possible algorithmic bias, and jurisdiction. Type 2 diabetes was the most studied NCD. The most common use of ML was for risk modeling. Mitigating bias was not extensively addressed, with most methods focused on mitigating sex-related bias. Conclusion This review examines current applications of ML in NCDs, highlighting potential biases and strategies for mitigation. Future research should focus on communicable diseases and the transferability of ML models in low and middle-income settings. Our findings can guide the development of guidelines for the equitable use of ML to improve population health outcomes.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Institute for Medical Engineering & Science
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21081-9
