Analysis of potential risk factors that effects prevalence of superficial mycosis of feet with self-organizing maps (SOM)

In this study, risk factors that may effect prevalence of superficial mycosis of feet (tinea pedis and onychomycosis) were analyzed by self-organizing maps(SOM). Using data set obtained from a thesis of medical faculty, risk factors and effect levels were determined. After preprocessing the data set, a SOM network was designed and performed on this date set. Data set consists of occupational and non-occupational features and symptoms belonging 203 nurses worked for Çukurova University Balcalı Hospital in April-2014. Features like age, gender, existing diseases, job duration, sporting regularly, etc. collected by a questionnaire. Results of dermatological exam of feet and direct microscopic examination (potassium hydroxide-KOH method) results of skin and/or nails recorded to data in numeric form. The thesis of medical faculty had investigated that gender (men), wearing synthetic socks and sporting regularly factors effect the prevalence of tinea pedis and onychomycosis by multiple regression. In this study, using Self-Organizing Maps method for analysis, it has been revealed that age, hyperhidrosis and occlusive shoes factors also have an effect on superficial mycosis of feet (tinea pedis and onychomycosis). Another new finding is that the best match of positive clinical symptoms and KOH results has occured on interdigital webs of feet.