Projects per year
Abstract
Many questions in life course epidemiology involve mediation and/or interaction because of the long latency period between exposures and outcomes. In this paper, we explore how mediation analysis (based on counterfactual theory and implemented using conventional regression approaches) links with a structured approach to selecting life course hypotheses. Using theory and simulated data, we show how the alternative life course hypotheses assessed in the structured life course approach correspond to different combinations of mediation and interaction parameters. For example, an early life critical period model corresponds to a direct effect of the early life exposure, but no indirect effect via the mediator and no interaction between the early life exposure and the mediator. We also compare these methods using an illustrative real-data example using data on parental occupational social class (early life exposure), own adult occupational social class (mediator) and physical capability (outcome).
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1280-1294 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | International Journal of Epidemiology |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 27 Sept 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- life course
- ALSPAC
- methods
- mediation
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Relationship between mediation anlaysis and the structured life course approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 4 Finished
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Laura Howe Population Health Scientist Fellowship
Howe, L. D. (Principal Investigator)
1/09/15 → 31/12/22
Project: Research
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Lifecourse epidemiology of female reproductive health and its relation to chronic disease
Fraser, A. (Principal Investigator)
1/12/14 → 20/02/20
Project: Research
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MRC UoB UNITE Unit - Programme 5
Lawlor, D. A. (Principal Investigator) & Lawlor, D. A. (Principal Investigator)
1/06/13 → 31/03/18
Project: Research
Profiles
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Professor Abigail Fraser
- Bristol Medical School (PHS) - Professor of Epidemiology
- Bristol Poverty Institute
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit
- Centre for Academic Primary Care
Person: Academic , Member
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Professor Laura D Howe
- Bristol Medical School (PHS) - Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
- Bristol Poverty Institute
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit
Person: Academic , Member