Defining the Environment in Gene–Environment Research: Lessons From Social Epidemiology
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: In this article, we make the case that social epidemiology provides a useful framework to define the environment within gene-environment (G × E) research. We describe the environment in a multilevel, multidomain, longitudinal framework that accounts for upstream processes influencing health outcomes. We then illustrate the utility of this approach by describing how intermediate levels of social organization, such as neighborhoods or schools, are key environmental components of G × E research. We discuss different models of G × E research and encourage public health researchers to consider the value of including genetic information from their study participants. We also encourage researchers interested in G × E interplay to consider the merits of the social epidemiology model when defining the environment.
Authors: Jason D. Boardman, Jonathan Daw, Jeremy Freese
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: University of Colorado Population Center, Genetic Risk, Pathways to Adulthood, and Health Inequalities, Add Health: A Genotype and Phenotype Resource for the Global Scientific Community, Research Training - Developmental Behavioral Genetics, Social Demographic Moderation of Genome Wide Associations for Body Mass Index, The University of Colorado Population Center
OpenAlex ID: W2116402971