Defining the environment in gene-environment research: lessons from social epidemiology

Citation

Boardman, J. D.; Daw, J.; & Freese, J. (2013). Defining the environment in gene-environment research: lessons from social epidemiology. Am J Public Health. vol. 103 Suppl 1 pp. S64-72 , PMCID: PMC3786759

Abstract

In this article, we make the case that social epidemiology provides a useful framework to define the environment within gene-environment (G x 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 x E research. We discuss different models of G x 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 x E interplay to consider the merits of the social epidemiology model when defining the environment.

URL

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23927514

Keyword(s)

Epidemiologic Factors

Notes

Boardman, Jason D

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Am J Public Health

Author(s)

Boardman, J. D.
Daw, J.
Freese, J.

Year Published

2013

Volume Number

103 Suppl 1

Pages

S64-72

Edition

2013/08/10

ISSN/ISBN

1541-0048 (Electronic)

DOI

10.2105/ajph.2013.301355

PMCID

PMC3786759

Reference ID

4673