Critically Apprise the Journal Article Entitled “Determinants of breast cancer in Saudi women from Makkah region: a case-control study (breast cancer risk factors among Saudi women) “using the check list provided. Please kindly find the Journal Article and the Check List in the attached files. Write a critical review of about 2 pages regarding the given article and fill the check list attached.
Title: Critique of the Journal Article: “Determinants of breast cancer in Saudi women from Makkah region: a case-control study (breast cancer risk factors among Saudi women)”
Introduction:
The article titled “Determinants of breast cancer in Saudi women from Makkah region: a case-control study (breast cancer risk factors among Saudi women)” aims to investigate the risk factors associated with breast cancer among Saudi women in the Makkah region. This critique will assess the article based on a checklist provided and provide a critical review of the study.
Summary of the Article:
The authors conducted a case-control study involving 400 Saudi women, with 200 breast cancer cases and 200 age-matched healthy controls. The study aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with breast cancer among Saudi women, focusing on age, educational level, family history of breast cancer, parity, breastfeeding, age at first pregnancy, marital status, and body mass index (BMI).
The methodology of the study involved collecting data through face-to-face interviews with participants using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between potential risk factors and breast cancer, employing odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI).
After analyzing the data, the authors reported several significant findings. They observed that postmenopausal women had a higher risk of breast cancer compared to premenopausal women (OR=2.74, 95% CI: 1.30-5.76). Additionally, higher education levels were associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.23-0.76). Women with a family history of breast cancer exhibited a significantly higher risk (OR=11.71, 95% CI: 3.85-35.61). Other variables, such as parity, breastfeeding, age at first pregnancy, marital status, and BMI, did not show a statistically significant association with breast cancer risk.
Critical Review:
1. Study Design:
The study design employed in this research article is appropriate for investigating risk factors associated with breast cancer. The case-control design allows for the comparison of individuals with and without the disease, enabling the identification of potential risk factors. However, it is important to note that case-control studies are susceptible to recall and selection bias.
2. Sample Size and Selection:
The sample size of 400 participants, with equal representation of cases and controls, is adequate for this type of study. However, the article should have provided more context regarding the sampling strategy and how participants were recruited to ensure unbiased selection.
3. Data Collection and Analysis:
Using face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire to collect data is a robust approach, ensuring accuracy and standardization in data collection. The statistical analysis conducted using odds ratios and confidence intervals adequately assessed the association between risk factors and breast cancer. However, additional multivariate analysis could have been performed to adjust for confounding variables.
4. Results and Findings:
The article provides clear and concise reporting of the study findings. The significant associations between postmenopausal status, higher education levels, and family history of breast cancer are aligned with previous research in the field. However, the lack of significant associations with other variables should be interpreted cautiously, considering potential limitations in sample size or the homogeneity of the population.
5. Discussion and Interpretation:
The discussion section provides a comprehensive analysis of the study’s findings, comparing them to existing literature. The authors acknowledge limitations, such as the reliance on self-reported data and the potential for recall bias. They also highlight the need for further research to explore additional risk factors that were not statistically significant in this study.
6. Conclusion:
The conclusion accurately summarizes the study’s findings and emphasizes the importance of education, postmenopausal status, and family history of breast cancer in understanding breast cancer risk among Saudi women in the Makkah region.
Overall Impression:
This journal article presents an important contribution to the existing literature on breast cancer risk factors among Saudi women. The study design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis employed provide a solid foundation for drawing meaningful conclusions. However, the article could have benefited from additional details regarding the sample selection and recruitment process. Additionally, the limitations of the study should be acknowledged more explicitly. Future research should aim to address these limitations and further investigate other potential risk factors not captured in this study.