North West Research Articles

Introducing simulation-based education to Genitourinary Medicine specialty training in the North West of England: A quality improvement project exploring trainee perspectives and impact.

Simulation-based education (SBE) provides enactive experiences for learners. This project explores the utility of SBE in GUM training. Phase 1 was a qualitative survey of GUM trainees across the UK exploring their views on SBE. Phase 2 involved roll-out of SBE to new GUM trainees. Feedback was subsequently obtained. Twenty-three participants were surveyed in phase 1. When asked to rate the relevance of SBE to curriculum competencies on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not relevant, 5 = highly relevant), the highest ratings (score ≥4) were for proctoscopy (4.1), IUD insertion (4.1), SDI removal (4.1), SDI insertion (4.0), and punch biopsy (4.0). All curriculum items scored ≥3. Eighty-three percent (n = 19) felt SBE will improve clinician confidence and competence. Following introduction of SBE, participants fed back on the relevance of the session. All 5 respondents rated the session ≥4 for addressing their clinical and curriculum goals. All respondents rated the session ≥4 for improving clinician confidence and competence. The session received an overall rating of 5, and respondents similarly rated 5 for more sessions. Trainees recognise the value of simulated learning experiences and its role in improving procedural competence and addressing bespoke human factor skills relevant to GUM.

Combining thermal model and kinetics: Implications in dynamic simulation of anaerobic digesters

In this study, ADM1-based kinetics were combined with a thermal model that accounts for various heat transfers inside and through the reactor’s boundaries. Computing the energy of bioreactions based on kinetic rates prevented an overestimation of approximately 20% in the heat demand of the heat exchanger, compared to calculations using feedstock degradation heat. This also improved the representation of the digester’s thermal and reactional inertia. Simulations across different climates demonstrated the necessity to tailor digester construction. In the North West United Kingdom, biogas auto-consumption was 23% higher than that of the same reactor in South West France. Enhancing the thermal insulation of the digester reduced heat losses by 37% in the United Kingdom. Therefore, coupling the kinetic and thermal models expands the insights that can be extracted from simulations, which can be valuable in optimizing the operation and design of biogas digesters.

Determination of the rate and frequency of Natura 250 EW fungicide for the management of cedar rust from Gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) in the north west Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Rhamnus prinoides (Gesho) is grown in the homesteads of farmers in western Amhara. The leaves, twigs, and stems of Gesho are indispensable ingredients in traditional beverages. Its production has recently suffered from cedar rust caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium. To manage this disease, different fungicides have been recommended. Therefore, this research was designed to determine the rate and frequency of the use of the Natura 250 EW system for managing this disease in Gesho during 2020. Five application rates of Natura 250 EW and three spray frequencies were used as treatments to manage the disease in infected Gesho plants via the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between treatments for most parameters. Among these 0.75 litter ha-1 treatments, two spray applications resulted in the lowest severity and greatest relative efficacy, followed by three spray applications of 0.50 litter ha−1 at Bahir Dar Zuria district. However, at Yilmana Densa district, the lowest severity and greatest relative efficacy were found for the 0.75 litter ha−1 spray, followed by the 0.50 litter ha−1 spray, compared with the other treatments. Even though 0.75 litter ha−1 had greater relative efficacy and lower disease severity than the other treatments, there was no statistically significant difference between the three sprays of 0.50 litter ha−1 at both locations. Therefore, three sprays of Natura 250 EW at 0.50 litter ha−1 in 15-day intervals should be recommended and demonstrated for the management of cedar rust disease on Gesho.

Lessons from the pandemic: An innovative scheme to support research in the North West Coast

In 2021, a Clinical Research Fellow (CRF) scheme was created to serve the North West Coast (NWC) region in line with the key health priorities set out by the Clinical Research Network. Five doctors in pre-specialist training were placed in NHS trust research departments across the NWC. The scheme aimed to provide early career research experience while also enhancing the provision of research across the region. The CRFs were involved in writing clinical trial grant applications and study protocols, with the scheme providing additional experience in leadership roles and time management. In addition, the CRF scheme has had a positive impact in adopted NHS trusts, which have seen their overall research capacity and capability improve, through increased flexibility and medical oversight. Research departments have benefited from increased financial income and improved national reputations. Overall, this real-world experience provided a vital ‘foot in the door’, which is essential for research-interested medics to advance in a future academic career. In the wider NWC region, the CRF scheme successfully delivered achievable and financially sustainable research. Innovative programmes such as this one should be seen as a viable option for research provision through the NHS, in the UK.

743. HIATUS HERNIA AND GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE. DOES SIZE MATTER?

Abstract Background Hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach bulges into the thoracic cavity through the hiatal opening of the diaphragm. In our study, we aimed to assess the impact of the hiatal hernia size on DeMeester score, symptom correlation, and presence of pathological reflux on PH studies. The study also looked at the impact of various characteristics including age, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and presence of oesophagitis and/or dysmotility on DeMeester score, symptom correlation, and presence of pathological reflux on PH studies. Methods The study was conducted in an Upper Gastrointestinal surgery unit located in the North West of England. All patients aged over 18 who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease between January 2017 and June 2023 were included. Patients who underwent fundoplication for para-oesophageal hiatus hernia, those who had fundoplication as a complementary step to Heller’s cardio-myotomy, or those who underwent revisional surgery were excluded. Results A total of 115 patients with a median age of 54 were included. Patients’ age was found to have a statistically significant association with hiatus hernia size above 2 cm, DeMeester score, and Symptom Association Probability with a P value of 0.011, 0.021, and 0.030 respectively. Hiatus hernia size above 2 cm was found to have a statistically significant association with pathological reflux (P=0.017). Smoking association with DeMeester score was found to be significant (P=0.027). Hiatus hernia size was not found to have a statistically significant association with DeMeester score, Symptom Index, or Symptom Association Probability (P=0.115, 0.315, 0.904) respectively. Conclusion Hiatus hernia size above 2 cm was found to have a statistically significant association with pathological reflux on PH studies but not statistically associated with elevated DeMeester score above 14.72 or symptom correlation indices. Thorough endoscopic assessment in addition to detailed oesophageal physiological studies are mandatory to evaluate patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease prior to considering surgery.

Effect of Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Training on Entrepreneurship Intentions of People Living with Disabilities in Nigeria

People living with disabilities (PLWDs) are considered the most vulnerable segment of the population, and in most societies or countries neglected especially with respect access to education, health care, infrastructures, economic, social and political participation; thereby pushing them in to begging and other non-productive activities. Thus, there is strong need to pay attention to these categories of people in order to make them self-reliant, and engage them in to different forms of entrepreneurship activities. Therefore, the aims to examine the influence of financial literacy and entrepreneurship training on entrepreneurship intentions of PLWDs in Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey research, the population comprises all the PLWDs in the North West region of Nigeria, out of which a sample of 210 were conveniently surveyed using questionnaire. With the help of SPSS, the data collected was analysed using descriptive, correlation, and regression. The results revealed that entrepreneurship training was significant on entrepreneurship intention of the PLWDs, while financial literacy was not significant on entrepreneurship intentions. The study concludes that, while financial literacy does not determine entrepreneurship intention of the PLWDs, entrepreneurship training does. Hence, the research recommends that, emphasis be placed on different forms of entrepreneurship trainings in order to encourage the PLWDs to embrace entrepreneurial activities, while less attention be given to financial literacy as it has only little impact. However, the research further emphasized that PLWDs be integrated in to not only theoretical aspect of entrepreneurship, but also be encourage to acquire some forms of skills that translate in to real entrepreneurial ventures.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in calves and hospitalized humans in Libo Kemkem, North Western Ethiopia.

Cryptosporidium infection is one of the major causes of acute gastroenteritis and diarrhoea caused by a protozoan parasite affecting vertebrates and humans. The disease is prevalent in cases of immunocompromised individuals. Despite the impact of the diseases in calf and hospitalized humans, well-documented studies are not available in the study area. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves and hospitalized humans and assess the major associated risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in calves and hospitalized humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 on calf and human Cryptosporidium infection in Libo Kemkem District, North West Ethiopia. A total of 193 calves and 122 human stool samples admitted to the hospital were used for this study. Three kebeles were selected purposely, and individual calves were selected using a simple random sampling method. A number of sampled calves were allocated proportionally to the selected kebeles. Human samples were collected using a systematic random sampling method. Faecal and stool samples were examined using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. The overall prevalence of calf and human Cryptosporidium infection found in this study was 15.5% and 11.5%, respectively. Age of calf, breed, body condition, water source, faecal consistency and hygienic condition were found significantly (p<0.05) associated with Cryptosporidium infection in the calf. Similarly, the source of potable water, immunocompromisation and contact with domestic animals were found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with Cryptosporidium infection in humans. There was a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves and humans in Libo Kemkem District. Therefore, the implementation of proper prevention methods of zoonotic Cryptosporidium infection between calf and human beings through significant risk factors is mandatory. Furthermore, additional studies to investigate the levels of economic importance of the disease should be conducted.

Integrated Clinical Pathway of diabetic retinopaty Screening in the North West Tuscany Local Health Authority

La retinopatia diabetica (RD) è la prima causa di cecità in età lavorativa nella popolazione generale dei paesi industrializzati, compresa la Regione Toscana, con altissimi costi sociali e di salute. Lo screening della RD è rapido, ben tollerato dai pazienti ed è considerato una delle procedure più costo-efficacia conosciute in medicina. Le evidenze scientifiche oggi disponibili hanno dimostrato che, mediante programmi di screening e trattamento della RD è possibile ridurre drasticamente la cecità da diabete. In Italia, dove solo raramente tali programmi sono applicati sul territorio, sono ancora molti i pazienti diabetici nei quali si riscontrano le complicanze più gravi della RD. Dati dell’ARS Toscana relativi al 2021 mostravano che nell’Asl Nord-Ovest solo il 11,15% dei pazienti con diabete effettuava un controllo dell’occhio almeno una volta nell’anno. Allo scopo di definire un protocollo condiviso per lo screening della retinopatia diabetica nell’ambito del nostro territorio ossia quello dell’Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest (ATNO) abbiamo definito un Piano Diagnostico Terapeutico Aziendale (PDTA), che ha inoltre lo scopo di fornire informazioni circa le indicazioni, la modalità di esecuzione e la corretta interpretazione dei risultati derivanti dalla valutazione del fundus oculare mediante retinografo non midriatico per la valutazione e stadiazione della RD nel paziente affetto da diabete mellito. PAROLE CHIAVE: diabete; screening; retinografo; retinopatia; edema maculare.

Acute Kidney Injury Among Asphyxiated Neonates In Sokoto, North West Nigeria

Background: Birth asphyxia and its attendant complications remain a common problem in our neonatal intensive care units. Compelling evidence from various epidemiologic studies shows that Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is indeed one of the commonest complications of birth asphyxia. The kidneys are sensitive to oxygen deprivation, renal insult may occur within few hours of hypoxic-ischemic episode, which if prolonged could lead to irreversible cortical and or tubular necrosis. Aim: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with AKI among asphyxiated term neonates in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Nigeria Materials and methods: One hundred and nineteen asphyxiated term neonates admitted into the special care baby unit of UDUTH Sokoto participated in the study. Birth asphyxia was defined as failure to initiate and sustain breathing at birth with Apgar scores ≤ 5 at 5 minutes in the presence of arterial cord blood pH &lt; 7 and base deficit &gt;12mmol. Blood samples were taken for arterial blood gas analysis within one hour of life. Moderately and severely asphyxiated neonates who satisfied the inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited into the study and serum creatinine assay was done on day 3 and day 5 of life. AKI was defined as a rise in serum creatinine ≥ 0.3mg/dl over 48 hours. Quantitative variables such as birth weight, length, occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) were expressed using mean, standard deviation and range, while qualitative variables like gender, mode of delivery and grade of asphyxia were summarised using frequency and percentages. Chisquare and fisher’s exact tests were applied to determine if any relationship exists between sociodemographic/clinical factors and AKI. A p-value of &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 119 asphyxiated term neonates 74 (62.2%) were males while 45 (37.8%) were females giving a M:F ratio of 1.6:1. Majority 96 (80.7%) of the subjects had normal birth weight with a mean birth weight of 3.1 ± 0.6kg. The mean gestational age recorded was 38.2 ± 1.1 months The prevalence of AKI in the study subjects was 42.9%. The grade of birth asphyxia was significantly associated with AKI with a prevalence odds ratio of 7.2 (95CI 2.8-18). Conclusion: The prevalence of AKI in asphyxiated term neonates in UDUTH Sokoto was high and the grade of birth asphyxia was found to be significantly associated with AKI

O72 - "Unleashing Midwifery Leaders: The North West Maternity Services Transition Project"

O72 - "Unleashing Midwifery Leaders: The North West Maternity Services Transition Project"

Integrating Maize Yield and Agricultural Drought Analysis for Sustainable Food Security: A Provincial Study in South Africa (1993–2022)

ABSTRACTExtreme climatic events, such as droughts, hinder progress toward achieving the sustainable development goal of food security. South Africa is vulnerable to drought‐related agricultural losses, which have led to food insecurity. However, few studies have focused on the long‐term impacts of drought on crop production at a regional scale. Therefore, we aimed to examine the intensity, magnitude, and trend of rainfall‐based short‐term agricultural drought at the provincial scale in South Africa based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Additionally, we analyzed the impact of agricultural drought on maize yield by calculating the Standardized Yield Residual Series (SYRS) and Crop Drought‐Resilience Factor (CDRF). To this end, we collected rainfall data from 29 stations across nine provinces along with maize yield data for the period of 1993–2022. Agricultural drought analyses based on the three‐month (SPI‐3) and six‐month (SPI‐6) SPIs demonstrated dynamic variations in occurrence, with Sen's slope indicating that 10 stations exhibited a significant increase in drought events across South Africa. Notably, SPI‐6 analysis showed that Gauteng, Free State, and North West provinces experienced the highest percentages of severe to extreme drought events during the study period, at 4.17%, 3.89%, and 3.61%, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of provinces in South Africa experienced an extreme SPI‐6 magnitude ranging from −46.03 in Western Cape Province to −61.6 in Free State Province. The dynamic effects of agricultural drought on maize yield revealed that the maximum yield loss of 13% occurred in 1993 in Eastern Cape Province, while some provinces experienced no yield loss during certain years. However, CDRF analyses identified Western Cape (CDRF [SPI‐3] = 0.52, CDRF [SPI‐6] = 0.62) and Mpumalanga (CDRF [SPI‐6] = 0.7) provinces as the most vulnerable to food insecurity due to the severe non‐resilience of maize to drought in these regions. This study reveals the complex interplay between climatic extremes and maize yield variability, providing valuable insights for managing regional food production systems and ensuring future food security in South Africa.

Support provided by outreach team leaders to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the North-West province of South Africa

BackgroundThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic have left an overwhelming impact on communities worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its effects on family structures are particularly pronounced. Caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans encounter challenges in fulfilling their caring duties. Consequently, they rely on the outreach team leaders (OTLs) for support to care for HIV/AIDS orphans.AimThis study aimed to explore and describe support provided by OTLs to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the North West Province of South Africa.MethodsThe exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design meaning the study was conducted was in the contexts where caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans reside. The study was conducted in five local municipalities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district of the North West Province of South Africa. Ward-based outreach nurses were participants in the study. Semi-structured focus group interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Throughout the study, ethical principles were adhered to. The study also adhered to four trustworthiness principles: credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability.ResultsThree main themes emerged from this study: the conduction of home visits to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans, the coordination of a multidisciplinary team for support, and the facilitation of support groups.ConclusionsThis study revealed that that caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS benefitted from the support provided by OTLs in the North West province of South Africa. The support provided by OTLs harnessed positive relationship between caregivers and children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Client Satisfaction and Associated Factors Among Insured and Uninsured Adult Clients Visiting Public Health Institution in Enrage Enawga Woreda, Amhara Regional State North West Ethiopia, 2021: Institution Based Comparative Cross Sectional Study

Background: Community-Based Health Insurance is an emerging concept for providing financial protection against the cost of illness and improving access to quality health services for rural and urban populations. Knowing the factors for patient satisfaction is an important and direct indicator of quality of health care which is essential for providers to fill their gaps. Although few studies have been conducted on patient satisfaction in Ethiopia; but this study aimed to assess patient satisfaction and associated factors in the insured and uninsured clients under Community-based health insurance. Methods: Institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 th2021 to April 30th, 2021. Over all 770 clients were selected from the health center by using simple random sampling techniques. The data were coded and entered into Epi-data3.1 and exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that affect client satisfaction with of p values less than 0.05. Results: Out of 753 respondents with a response rate of 97.8% the insured and non-insured patient satisfaction was 215 (56.6%) and 171(45.8%) respectively. The mean score with Standard Deviation of the satisfaction score was 3.6± 0.37 among insured and 3.5± 0.38 among non-insured under the CBHI scheme. The Pearson chi-square test showed a statistically significant difference between insured patients with a higher mean satisfaction score than their counterpart noninsured with x2= 8.67, df =1, P=0.003. Conclusions: The result shows that insured clients have a higher satisfaction score than non-insured clients. Therefore, to improve patient experiences at health centers and achieve financial risk protection through CBHI, program managers and healthcare providers should increase the satisfaction at the health facility to insured and non-insured community members.

Perceived psychosocial effects of COVID-19 on the teaching realities of Foundation Phase educators in selected rural quintiles 1 to 3 schools in South Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted schooling, not only in South Africa, but globally. In the study reported on here we investigated the perceived psychosocial effects of the pandemic on the teaching realities of Foundation Phase (FP) educators in rural quintiles 1 to 3 schools in the North West province, South Africa. A qualitative, case study design was adopted with 10 educators purposively selected from 3 schools to participate through telephonic interviews. The findings reveal that as educators contended with the new rotational method of school attendance, challenges of limited teaching time, curriculum coverage, learner absenteeism and the lack of parental support that negatively affected their overall state of psychosocial well-being. This state of well-being was characterised by high stress levels, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and a lack of accomplishment for educators. Despite these experiences, some educators demonstrated agency and resilience in ensuring that they carried out their core responsibility of teaching, but perceived themselves as requiring psychosocial support. The conclusion reached is that the available support structures provided by the Department of Basic Education appeared to be under-utilised and there was a critical need to introduce and advocate for mental health interventions to support educators emotionally.

Breast cancer research gaps: a questionnaire-based study to determine overall priorities and compare the priorities of patients, the public, clinicians and scientists

ObjectiveThis study aims to prioritise the themes identified from the three gap analyses performed by a combination of scientists, clinicians, patients and members of the public to determine areas in...

Soil Water Balance and Productivity of Different Maize-Based Crop Sequences Compared to Rice–Wheat System under Contrasting Irrigation Regimes in North–West India

Soil Water Balance and Productivity of Different Maize-Based Crop Sequences Compared to Rice–Wheat System under Contrasting Irrigation Regimes in North–West India

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in wild small mammals from South Africa.

Bartonella spp. are intracellular bacteria associated with several re-emerging human diseases. Small mammals play a significant role in the maintenance and spread of Bartonella spp. Despite the high small mammal biodiversity in South Africa, there is limited epidemiological information regarding Bartonella spp. in these mammals. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. from wild small mammals from 15 localities in 8 provinces of South Africa. Small mammals (n = 183) were trapped in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape provinces of South Africa between 2010 and 2018. Heart, kidney, liver, lung, and spleen were harvested for Bartonella DNA screening, and prevalence was determined based on the PCR amplification of partial fragments of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region, gltA, and rpoB genes. Bartonella DNA was detected in Aethomys chrysophilus, Aethomys ineptus, Gerbillurus spp., Lemniscomys rosalia, Mastomys coucha, Micaelamys namaquensis, Rhabdomys pumilio, and Thallomys paedulcus. An overall prevalence of 16.9% (31/183, 95% CI: 12.2%-23%) was observed. Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella grahamii, and Bartonella tribocorum were the zoonotic species identified, while the remaining sequences were aligned to uncultured Bartonella spp. with unknown zoonotic potential. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed five distinct Bartonella lineages (I-V), with lineage IV displaying strong M. coucha host specificity. Our results confirm that South African wild small mammals are natural reservoirs of a diverse assemblage of Bartonella spp., including some zoonotic species with high genetic diversity, although prevalence was relatively low.IMPORTANCESmall mammals play a significant role in the maintenance and spread of zoonotic pathogens such as Bartonella spp. Despite the high small mammal biodiversity in southern Africa including South Africa, there is limited epidemiological information regarding Bartonella spp. in these mammals across the country. Results from our study showed the liver and spleen had the highest positive cases for Bartonella spp. DNA among the tested organs. Bartonella elizabethae, B. grahamii, and B. tribocorum were the three zoonotic species identified and five distinct Bartonella lineages (I-V) were confirmed through phylogenetic analyses. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first extensive nuclear diversity investigation of Bartonella spp. in South African small mammals in South Africa.

Review of Leaving Iberia: Islamic Law and Christian Conquest in North West Africa

Review of Leaving Iberia: Islamic Law and Christian Conquest in North West Africa

Midwives’ descriptions of policies on access to maternity health services in North West Province, South Africa

The study sought to explore and describe the various policies regarding access to Maternity health care services in the North West Province, South Africa, through the lens of midwives. Legal and ethical frameworks guide maternity healthcare services to ensure such a service's quality, safety, and standardization. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative research design was followed. Nine purposefully sampled midwives participated in a one-on-one in-depth interview. Data were analyzed using Collaizi's descriptive method based on the emerging themes and categories. One overarching theme with six categories emerged from the data. From the overarching perspective, it was evident that midwives were dissatisfied with the ambiguity of various policies guiding patients' access to Maternity healthcare services. To a certain extent, the admission policy was inconsistent with the patient's rights and constitution of the land on access to health. The ambiguity of admission position led to uncontrolled movements of self-referred patients to clinical facilities. The ambiguity of the transfer policy contributed to challenges during interfacility transfers of referred patients from lower levels of care facilities and vice versa. In addition, the policy on escorts of patients was unspecific about the healthcare personnel required to escort complicated patients in transit, which caused care interruptions. The study findings highlight the Midwives' concerns regarding various policies of access to maternity health services, and the marked ineffectiveness of controlling patients' movement into facilities could be the reason for overcrowding, inadvertently causing a decline in the quality of maternity healthcare services. The study findings may alert policymakers to be cautious and ensure that policies are succinct and consistent with other related laws.

A Machine Learning-Driven Approach to Uncover the Influencing Factors Resulting in Soil Mass Displacement

For most landslides, several destabilising processes act simultaneously, leading to relative sliding along the soil or rock mass surface over time. A number of machine learning approaches have been proposed recently for accurate relative and cumulative landside displacement prediction, but researchers have limited their studies to only a few indicators of displacement. Determining which influencing factors are the most important in predicting different stages of failure is an ongoing challenge due to the many influencing factors and their inter-relationships. In this study, we take a data-driven approach to explore correlations between various influencing factors triggering slope movement to perform dimensionality reduction, then feature selection and extraction to identify which measured factors have the strongest influence in predicting slope movements via a supervised regression approach. Further, through hierarchical clustering of the aforementioned selected features, we identify distinct types of displacement. By selecting only the most effective measurands, this in turn informs the subset of sensors needed for deployment on slopes prone to failure to predict imminent failures. Visualisation of the important features garnered from correlation analysis and feature selection in relation to displacement show that no one feature can be effectively used in isolation to predict and characterise types of displacement. In particular, analysis of 18 different sensors on the active and heavily instrumented Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory in the north west UK, which is several hundred metres wide and extends two hundred metres downslope, indicates that precipitation, atmospheric pressure and soil moisture should be considered jointly to provide accurate landslide prediction. Additionally, we show that the above features from Random Forest-embedded feature selection and Variational Inflation Factor features (Soil heat flux, Net radiation, Wind Speed and Precipitation) are effective in characterising intermittent and explosive displacement.