Approaches for handling imbalanced data used in machine learning in the healthcare field: A case study on Chagas disease database prediction

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 20; no. 5; p. e0320966
• Main Authors: Coimbra, André G., Oliveira, Cleiane G., Libório, Matheus P., Mannan, Hasheem, Santos, Laercio I., Fusco, Elisa, D’Angelo, Marcos F.S.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 13.05.2025; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Accuracy; Algorithms; Bayes Theorem; Biology and Life Sciences; Care and treatment; Case studies; Chagas disease; Chagas Disease - diagnosis; Chagas Disease - epidemiology; Classification; Comparative analysis; Computer and Information Sciences; Cost allocation; Databases, Factual; Datasets; Decision making; Delivery of Health Care; Diagnosis; Efficiency; Engineering and Technology; Handling; Health care; Health risk assessment; Humans; Learning algorithms; Machine Learning; Medicine and Health Sciences; Methods; Particle swarm optimization; Patients; Physical Sciences; Prognosis; Public health; Quality of life; Research and Analysis Methods; Risk management; Stroke; Stroke (Disease); Vector-borne diseases; Brazil
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320966

Machine learning has increasingly gained prominence in the healthcare sector due to its ability to address various challenges. However, a significant issue remains unresolved in this field: the handling of imbalanced data. This process is crucial for ensuring the efficiency of algorithms that utilize classification techniques, which are commonly applied in risk management, monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis of patient health. This study conducts a comparative analysis of techniques for handling imbalanced data and evaluates their effectiveness in combination with a set of classification algorithms, specifically focusing on stroke prediction. Additionally, a new approach based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Naive Bayes was proposed. This approach was applied to the real problem of Chagas disease. The application of these techniques aims to improve the quality of life for individuals, reduce healthcare costs, and allocate available resources more efficiently, making it a preventive action.